Whatever You Do

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23

These passages made me stop and think about the things I do - or used to do. When I was working, how much of what I did was done in the name of Nancy because I was good at what I did? Did I work heartily for the Lord or for a paycheck and promotion? Did I remember to give thanks to God because He gave me the ability to do what I did?  And what about now? As I spend my time volunteering, do I remember to thank God for the opportunities to serve?

When I stand before God one day, I want my time as a business owner and subsequently as an employee to be something that does not burn up as inconsequential because that was such a huge part of my life - 8 to 10 hours a day for years and years. The relationships I formed with business associates, customers and clients were opportunities God put before me. Was I sensitive to God's leading when He directed me to speak of His love or to offer a word of encouragement or perhaps a word of correction? And was I obedient to do what He asked? I can't change any of that now but hopefully I do still have years of service ahead of me.

Now that I am retired, it seems harder sometimes to keep that focus of doing everything for the Lord, especially on days when I am not doing something specific. But as I volunteer at Mobile Meals and at NewSpring, I want the tasks I do and the words I speak to be not my own but God working in and through me.

I also have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Nate, at age 11, is especially eager to learn about God and I love being able to talk to Him and take him to FUSE and to things like Winter Jam. He and I have a special bond and of course I want him to love Grandma but more than that I want to be sure our relationship leads him to love Jesus with all his heart.