#9 Show Some Love

I had a thought today as I was working on the pipes I had to prep. What if we really cared about what we did? What if our jobs started to become more than just sources of paychecks, where we did just enough to not get fired? That’s the difference between a job and a career: love. We ought to show our craft a little love. A little loving care can make sure that things go right as rain. I’m not saying we should become perfectionists that obsess over every detail, but we ought to start caring about whether or not things go as they ought to.We should be thinking about why we are doing what we are doing, and if it is being done effectively. I get that this can be hard to do, because it takes extra work. Doing things right is tiring, but what if we started paying attention to what we are doing and whether or not we are doing good work? 

There’s a world of difference between getting to know the tasks that you were given and being curious about the world you are plopped into. The first attitude learns things like the rules you have to follow, which rules the manager will let slide, and how much. It learns the in’s and out’s of what you can get away with and what you must do to get by. But the second wants to get things right so that you can become a better craftsman. It paints you as an artist, and whatever field you are working in as your canvas. From stocking the grocery store to leading a country, every worker has a masterpiece before them that is waiting to be created. It’s simply a matter of caring about the craft. 

And I’ll admit it-this is no easy task. Awakening from apathy is nothing short of a miracle. It takes time, it takes effort, but most of all-it takes inspiration. You have to channel yourself into every hour of every day of what you do for the rest of your life. Sounds intimidating, right? Well, don’t worry. I want to break it down for you. Maybe I can’t completely capture inspiration for every person, but I want to give you a few tips that I think will be valuable for you to keep yourself working well in the long run. 

First of all, pace yourself. Don’t expect this change to happen overnight. Even if it did, drastic change doesn’t last. Look for small ways to shift your mindset. Find peace in seeing a freshly-mopped floor, or neatly stocked shelf. Take a moment to stop and admire how nice it looks. Follow God’s example. When He made the earth in the beginning, He stopped after every little thing and said “it is good.” Shake your hands and smirk. Give yourself a little “hmph” of confidence, with a nod of approval. Take pride in the work that you do whenever you can.

And the other thing is to get inspired. Your job may not be glamorous. It may not even be fun. But try to make the most of it. Here’s one thing that has always inspires me to do well, even when my decisions seem dull and pointless. Whenever I have a decision to make, I will ask myself “what kind of person does this decision make me?” Even with something as stupid as fixing a pipe that doesn’t look quite right, I will ask myself this and ponder it for a while. Because you can get away with little things now, but will you be able to do better when it matters? If you pick your nose when you are in your car and no one is watching, will you be able to resist the urge when you meet your boyfriend or girlfriend’s parents for the first time? I think the answer to that is pretty obvious.

So take some time to get inspired and to make little changes to show your work some love. Own what you do and take care of the things you have been given. Become the type of person that cares about what you do, and in no time you will be the best worker there is. All because you have shown your work some love.

I pray that God helps you find ways to show your work some love today. That things start to make sense to grow in honor, ferocity, and integrity.

Until Next Time

May Peace be your Guide.