For Its Own Sake

Think about the part of your work that once made you lose track of time. The craft of it. The problem you loved solving. Many people still do that work, but somewhere along the way they stopped enjoying the thing itself. Now they only feel the results: the numbers, the praise, the review.

Solomon looked at life under the sun and came to a quiet conclusion: “Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion.” The work itself, done well, is a gift. Not only what it earns.

He also said, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Full effort and real joy go together. When you only care about the feedback, the work becomes a scoreboard. When you receive the work as a gift from God, you can give it your best and enjoy it at the same time.

Today, notice one part of your job that uses the gifts God gave you. Do it well, and let yourself enjoy it.