Embrace The Different Types Of Work That Don’t Look Important

“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:19 NIV

We were never created to be one-sided beings, giving all attention to only one thing. At least God, in whose image we were created, has more areas of focus than you can imagine.

We struggle to balance other aspects of our lives with regular work because we have placed them in different boxes.

We say, “If it’s not going to help me earn more money or lead to career advancement, then it should take the bench”.

But these are just one side to the different forms of accomplishment.

There’s the type of work you do for posterity’s sake.

There’s work that makes you feel like a child again but doesn’t necessarily put money in your pocket.

There’s work that gives you the opportunity to pour yourself into others, and what you’ll receive is a thank you.

There’s work that makes you feel like a disciple, spreading the good news and winning souls, but doesn’t directly give your career a boost.

There’s work that helps ensure that when you retire, there’s a loving family around you.

All these different types of work indirectly influence one another in ways you may not be able to quantify.

Growing up, I was privileged to have a dad who was present. He would write his books, teach at schools and seminars, hold counselling sessions, and intentionally ensure that he did his work as a parent.

I remember when I did an entrance interview for a university and they asked the question, “Who is your role model?” When I answered, “my dad”, I could see the smile on the face of one of the interviewers. It’s not a regular answer because so many fathers solely focus on the work at the office that puts food on the table and not the work at home for posterity’s sake.

We’ve exalted the long hours we have to spend building our craft that we really don’t do any other form of work. This is one-sided and isn’t how God works.

The opening scripture reveals four scenarios that have nothing to do with a typical work environment.

• What do you do when you sit at home after a long day or week? Some decide this is the best time to check up on that mentee that’s making strides.
• What do you do when you walk along the road? Some decide that’s the best time to share the gospel with passersby.
• What do you do when you lie down to sleep? As kids, my dad would tell us folklore with life lessons.
• What do you do when you get up in the morning, just before heading out? Some families decide that’s a good time to have big family hugs to reaffirm love or pray together for a minute or two.

Today is my dad’s birthday and reflecting on his impact on my life helped reaffirm that there’s more to life than the awards you get or the money in your bank account. It’s all work. You have to make them a priority.

Happy birthday, dad!