This morning was a struggle to get out of bed. I slept late because I spent time with friends who were visiting from a faraway place. Good food and lively conversations diverted my attention from time. And as if nature was playing tricks on me, morning weather was gloomy and seemed it would rain. It spelled perfect conditions for a bed hugging day that even 8(teen) strips of bacon and fresh ground vanilla coffee won’t be enough to get you on your feet.

A glimpse of my phone changed the mood. My daughter just messaged me and was asking about her Starbucks budget. I realized I have kids to feed and bills to pay. I dragged myself to the shower and hoped that the initial burst of cold water (thank God for heaters!) would wake me up. On my way to work, I kept asking God why did I have to go to work today. The agony of being a commoner!

As I settled in my chair and drank my morning tea, an officemate came and asked if we could chat. Unless someone wants a share of my dumpling, I usually find it difficult to say “no.” Despite my morning struggle, we ended up in the conference room. It turned out that he has been struggling to come to work for almost a month now because he couldn’t find meaning in what he does. He asked the wrong guy at the wrong time.

I got reminded that maybe that is the real reason why I had to come to work today. To be a blessing to this de-motivated employee by encouraging him and reminding him of the opportunities he has in front of him.

God reminded me of Acts 13:47 where it says “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'”

We have a bigger purpose than just waking up in the morning and going to work. That work is not our responsibility but is a provision of God so we can:

  1. So we may be a blessing – work enables us to provide for our families, for ourselves, and for the different ministries we have been called to be part of.
  2. So we can be a light – to people from other nations that would have been difficult for us to interact with if we chose to stay in the comforts of our room.
  3. So we can make disciples – yup you read that right. Discipleship can start way before a person accepts Christ. In our little way, we can be an example people can follow. Your life might be the only Gospel they will hear, says a friend of mine I can’t name. Our planting of seeds of kindness might turn into an opportunity to lead someone to Christ.

Work or studies might be something you view as a hindrance to happiness. But in fact, it brings you closer to the people who need Christ the most. It might feel burdensome, but if we consider it as a gift from God, then maybe the right response should be thankfulness. Work is God’s way of providing for us.

As for my officemate, I reminded him that work is not an obligation but an opportunity that allows him to be a blessing to his family. That there is a higher purpose as to why he is here. The encounter allowed me to invite him. Today, we meet every week for at least 45 minutes to talk about life, faith, and purpose.

Hooray for work!