Today's Lectionary TextEcclesiastes 3:12-13I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil — this is the gift of God. Today's Devotional
I’ve had four fulltime and about a dozen parttime jobs through the years and feel fortunate that I’ve made long-lasting friendships every time.
The day before I started working for the Great Plains Conference, more than five years ago, I had the same anxiety kids have before their first day of school: Will I get along with the people I work with? Will they become my friends? The answer was a resounding yes: I was treated to a taco-making bar my fourth day on the job, and the first weekend we all went out to dinner and to see a co-worker in a musical theater production. Moving to the Topeka office nearly three years ago came new co-workers and the same questions and concerns, all of which were alleviated after a staff meeting the first day. I sometimes lead our Wednesday morning devotions, and during a prayer I usually thank God for “co-workers who become friends who become family.” We’ve been through all sorts of ups and downs together – the births and deaths of family members, seeing our co-workers’ children growing up, new homes, illnesses and life-changing medical diagnoses. Tuesday will mark an anniversary: A year ago, we were strongly urged to work from home rather than at the office. There are anywhere from three to eight of us who come into the office regularly. My argument is that the office is just three minutes from home (with green lights), and my home is far too close to where I nap. I’ve seen all of my co-workers at some time or another during the past 12 months, but I miss the gatherings en masse – our potlucks and parties, the playful give-and-take with each other in times of friendship and fellowship. Our office isn’t unlike any other workplace that has had changed forced upon it by the coronavirus pandemic. But with the bonds of Christian love and fellowship, we know that there will be a day where we can safely be together again. --David Burke, content specialist
dburke@greatplainsumc.org Prayer for ReflectionDear Lord, thank you for all of our co-workers who become friends who become family. May the bond that we share someday safely return, and we can continue to do work in your name. Amen.
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