Peace and Joy

This last morning of work before the Christmas break, I sit here alone in my thoughts. It is quite normal for me to be the only one awake at this time. Over the years, I have come to treasure the time spent alone with the Lord, especially in the morning. There is something quite refreshing and comforting about starting off the day with a cup of coffee and the scriptures. When I miss it, my whole day is affected.

Today will be Profit Sharing Bonus Check Day at work. It is always a day of much anticipation and plenty of speculation. I used to get caught up in the scuttlebutt leading up to the event. However, now I try to avoid it completely. People still try to engage me in the conversation, but I just brush it off with a comment or two and go on.

I guess I do that because I really don't care anymore. Somewhere in my past, I wanted to believe that doing a good job meant getting rewarded at the end of the year. And I still believe that somewhere in the mix it still does. But, in the age of political correctness, tolerance and not wanting to hurt anyones feelings, the explanations and justifications for the money have become formulated and impersonal.

I still recall the first time I was given a check with a formulated explanation of the amount, the how and the what...When it was over, I didn't know if I had done a good job or not. I didn't feel very appreciated, although I was thankful for the money. I was left with a real sense of loss. Why didn't a pat on the back and a hearty "Good job! Have a great Christmas!" float off anyone's lips? Maybe I was asking too much. To tell one person they did a good job might imply that someone else didn't. I don't know.

I do know that God is the sovereign. I know that what events come into my life, whether bonus money, good tidings, reprimand, or whatever, comes by His will and decree. That gives me great comfort and joy. I cannot even begin to describe the joys. I know the come from Him, welling up in my soul at the most surprising times. You see, if god is in total control, then all that happens to me is under His control. That means everything is for His purposes and glory - good and bad from my perspective. That knowledge allows me to persevere during the hard times and rejoice during the good times. That knowledge allows me to accept things like bonus checks with joy regardless of the amount or method of delivery.

Take a moment today and ponder the sovereignty of God. It is a tough subject that conflicts with the very core of our human pride and existence. When you come to accepting the truth of the matter through prayer and searching, you too will experience the joy and peace of the Lord.

MC is up in the kitchen now, so I've gotta go...

Reprise: The bonus checks did come today. I was pleasantly surprised to hear words of encouragement accompany the check presentation. These came along with the usual formulated explanation of why and how much, etc. But, the "We think you have done a good job..." comments out shined all the other... There's hope yet! Maybe I should be less skeptical...maybe I will...