Genesis 2:15 -  "God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

Think

"You don't have to work, you get to work" How do you feel about work? Is it another four-letter word, or do you see it as a gift? Work was given to the first man and woman as a gift from God before they rebelled against him. It was a blessing not a punishment. When we view work as a blessing, the mundane will become extraordinary. And since we spend half of our waking hours at work, just imagine how it could change our lives if we viewed it as a gift from God. It gives us something money can't buy – a sense of accomplishment, dignity, and self-respect. There is nothing like that feeling of partnering with God as you put that toddler down, or after you finally finish that huge project, or when you implement that major change. Work challenges us to reflect God's character when the pressure is on. We will experience a pure joy and new purpose when we do work God's way! So, view work as a blessing today and let the world around you know that you don't have to work, you GET to work.

Act

As you prepare to go to work today – whether in the family room, the locker room, the classroom, or the boardroom – take a moment to thank God for the opportunity you have to work. Read Genesis 1, and reflect on God's example of work. Then, tackle your work today with a sense of joy and purpose!

Pray

Thank you, God, for the gift of work. Help me change my perspective on my work, regardless of how difficult it may be. Give me a new sense of accomplishment, dignity, and self-respect as I partner with you in all I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.