First Baptist Church of Herndon

It's Workable

Linda Soller | Sep 01, 2014

Happy Labor Day! Yes, it’s actually Labor Day and before you know it we will be Christmas shopping, or at least that is what retailers want us to think. Labor Day is near and dear to my heart because I work in Human Resources. Everyday my world is dealing with people who work. They work at all levels doing all sorts of things. Some are better at their work than others, but that is to be expected. Labor Day celebrates the efforts demonstrated daily that keep our country running.  It’s such a joy to see people who are happy in their work and grateful to have work. It’s tough to deal with the ones who are unhappy or struggling. We can’t help but think of those who would love to be in their place, who would love to have a job. So we try to think of ways to make it work.

Teachers face similar issues. Their students are like my employees in a sense. Teachers feel responsible to help their students reach their goals and succeed, yet some students continue to struggle. There is a point when a teacher most likely says,” I can only do so much.” They must be saddened when they deal with that disruptive child, knowing there are so many children in the world, in our own communities who would treasure the attention of a teacher. But day in and day out, unable to control the outside influences, each teacher tries to make it work.

Parents like teachers look at their children, often as different from their siblings as night and day, and wonder how to help them become happy productive adults. Sometimes the parents add a level of pressure that actually keeps their children from success. Other times they may be so hands off that their children flounder around in search of guidance and direction. Some parents take the approach of doing things for their children, never thinking about how that child will survive once on their own. Parents face a monumental task in making things work for their family and themselves.

To God people are the work force, the students, and the children all rolled in to one. Thank goodness God does not share the human weaknesses that employers, teachers, and parents can’t help but bring to each situation. After all they are only human. They are laboring to reach success. Can’t you just imagine God shaking His head wondering how He can help that person who doesn’t seem to get it? But He is patient beyond belief. You can almost feel the tears He must shed for those who are lost and unhappy. But He offers promise and hope.  I am certain that the warm feeling you get when something goes well and you succeed is God’s embrace as He celebrates with you. He takes joy in our happiness. All that being said, He must sigh now and then as He repeats our lessons. For some of us He has to repeat lessons a lot more than He does for others! I wonder if He jumps for joy when we finally get it right, when we spread His word, when we share His love. I think He may do a little victory dance.

Employers, teachers, and even parents have influence for a portion of a person’s life. God works with each person for a lifetime. To employers, teachers, and even some parents the job may seem hopeless at times. To God, it’s workable. For God, it is a labor of love.

Have a great week!  :o)    Linda