Dear God, Thank You For This Crummy Job

Part 9 of series:
Thanksgiving: Not Just a Day, But a Season

Dear God, Thank You For This Crummy Job

I just read a wonderful and timely piece on being thankful for a job even if it’s a crummy one. David Rupert begins his article for The High Calling this way:

I remember the days when I bounded out of bed, ready to seize the day.

Back then, work was a joy. My coworkers banded together as we found new solutions to fix problems. My chain of command was empowering. My duties were challenging and fresh, engaging my mind and abilities.

That was yesterday.

These days, the workplace has a certain sense of gloom. The economy hasn’t treated my company well. When I enter my building, it seems as if half the lights are dimmed, probably to save electricity. But it certainly doesn’t help the atmosphere.

And then it all goes downhill from there.

Until Rupert is challenged by Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts, to live more fully in the moment. So Rupert finds a way to be genuinely thankful even for his “crummy job.” He begins:

First of all, I’m thankful I even have a job. When I think about my friends Steve and Becky, and a host of others stuck in pervasive unemployment, my complaints just feel wrong.

I’m thankful for the challenge, and even the frustrations. Through fire and trial, I’m becoming God’s man.

And then it all goes uphill from there.

What a great reminder this is!

Now, I happen to love my job at the moment, thanks be to God. But this has not always been the case in my life. Besides, I can apply Rupert’s encouragement to other “crummy” parts of my life, like the fact that I have been working very hard to lose a few pounds before I gain them all back at Thanksgiving. Eating less, more exercise = fewer pounds, right? Wrong! This morning I was up one pound. But I guess I should be thankful for my health and for the fact that I have a metabolism, even if keeps slowing down. I should be thankful for the fact that I have all I need to eat and more. And I should be thankful in advance for a wonderful meal on Thanksgiving Day.

Check out Rupert’s post and be thankful, even for the crummy stuff!