Turning A Career Into A Calling

During our household last night, we talked about one of the major aspects in the life of a single person: career. Our household heads (Tito Thonie and Tita Rhoda) know us very well that they are aware of our current struggles (and victories, for some) at work.

When I got the printed copy of the topic, I just smiled and told God, "perfect timing, Lord!" :)

Indeed, I am where I am now because the Lord said so. If it wasn't for that "calling", I would have already left years ago. I know I won't be here forever (because the Lord said so, too) but while I'm still here, I strive to live out the mission and vision statement that we recite everyday, because God deserves my best. It's hard, and it gets frustrating at times, but as long as I remember that it is all about the Lord and that He is my Ultimate Boss, then everything becomes so worth it. ♥ I just tell myself everyday, "Kapit lang, Aiza. Konti na lang. :)"

Here's a copy of our household topic, in case you're also discerning. :)

Why do we go to work each day? Most of us get out of bed and head to the office for a number of good reasons: to provide for our families, to use our God-given abilities, and to enjoy interaction, creativity, and success. But when we face the inevitable difficulties of an unreasonable boss, a downturn in the economy, a heavy-workload, or genuine failure, where can we find our motivation?

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul gives instructions to husbands, wives, fathers, and children. Then he turns his attention to another segment of society: slaves (see Colossians 3:18-22). If any group has cause to complain and be discouraged, it's slaves. They are asked to do the most but are given the least praise. Paul doesn't tell them just to work harder. He goes far beyond that, encouraging them to do their tedious, menial work "heartily," with real enthusiasm as they remember that they are working first for God Himself, not their human masters. But Paul also assures them that God will eventually reward their honest work. They may not see these rewards "today," but like an overperforming 401(k), the results will be thrilling!

We can get out of bed each day with the assurance that we are working for the Lord and that our good attitude and hard work will be richly rewarded - if not by our employers now, they will be someday by the God of the universe. That perspective changes our motivation and attitude at work!

Reflection Questions:

1. What difference would it make for you to realize that you are working primarily for Christ, not for your boss or for your company?

2. What needs to happen in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions to reflect this perspective?

Photo Credit: Grace & Able

Comments

Understanding Lupang Hinirang

Every Filipino knows Lupang Hinirang (though some know it better as " Bayang Magiliw "). How can you not know it when it is the national anthem of the Philippines? But do we really mean the lyrics that we sing? Do we understand it in the first place? Photo Credit: http://diazi.ism-online.org This video has gone viral weeks ago. This afternoon, I shared it to my teammates, and one commented, "Yun pala yun . Ngayon ko lang naintindihan." He immediately downloaded it and converted to MP3. So for those who have not seen it, once again, here is Joey Ayala's version of Lupang Hinirang. And I agree, you would never want to sing it in another way. (But that's just me. :D) This rendition is simply beautiful. Truly Filipino. :) Of course that doesn't mean we need to revise our national anthem but maybe we can consider about correcting the way we sing it (read: proper pronunciation). Read more about the Philippine National Anthem here . ...

Jesus Week 2015: A Time To HEAL ♥

I had the best, most meaningful HOLY WEEK ever, so far (the best is yet to come!). :) Thanks to Joy who shared the Jesus Week poster on Facebook. It was God's personal invitation, and I couldn't thank Him enough for the grace that He also gave me to respond. Everything is grace. It was not just my personal decision to join. It was God's grace that allowed me to. So how did it go? Well, as what I have told my friends, it was amazingly beautiful! The experience was priceless! On Holy Monday, I posted Fr. Jerry Orbos' acronym for HOLY WEEK . I experienced all of that and more! :) I won't be able to share everything as there is just a lot of personal, intimate encounters with the Lord. But if I were to summarize, it was a time for me to HEAL. :) H alt . Indeed, I was able to stop and just rest in the Lord. Before leaving Manila, I have already told myself that this retreat will be all about Jesus ( Jesus Week nga e :D ). No emails, no texts, no calls. I...

Thank You, Lord! :)

It has been a long and stressful day (the past three days have been lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng and stressssssssssssssssssssssssssssssful), but You are just so amazing, Lord that I couldn't sleep without telling You how grateful I am. :) Thank You, Lord for the miracle that You did yesterday. Break even and more. :) Thank You, Lord for the laughter and stories shared during the post-mission meeting with Team Thailand. :) Team Thailand - Princesses from SFC Metro Manila :) Thank You, Lord for Lawrence. He is just the (almost) perfect man. He has his flaws, but they are acceptable; he makes mistakes, but they are all forgivable. There are a lot of men but there can never be anyone else. He's really the one. And You know it very well. :) ♥ Nemo. Love. ♥ Thank You, Lord for giving me strength and endurance each day. :) Thank You, Lord for the short but restful sleeps. :) Thank You, Lord for every waking moment and every opportunity that You give ...

The Holy Spirit*

*Cluster 4 Household Topic Reflections from John 15:26-16:4 True friendship is strengthened in adversity. Jesus offers His disciples the best and truest of friends. Who is this promised friend? Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our Counselor and Advocate (also translated Paraclete or Helper). Counselor is a legal term for the one who will defend someone against an adversary and who guides that person during the ordeal of trial. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Helper who brings us safely through the challenges and adversities we must face in this life. As Jesus approaches the hour that He was to be glorified - through His death on the cross and His resurrection - He revealed more fully to His disciples the person and the role of the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus tell us about the Holy Spirit? First, the Holy Spirit is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who gives life - the very life of God - and who kindles faith in hearts r...

Interesting Facts Courtesy of Celebrity Bluff :)

I was writing a different post, but Celebrity Bluff is just so fun and informative, I had to stop from blogging to list down the fun facts that I learn from each round. :) Thought it would be nice to share them here as well. For future reference. :D Q: In 2012, what kind of animal was named after Beyonce? A: Horse Fly Q: What rare job in China will pay you US$50,000 a year? A: Fart Smeller Q: What alcoholic drink literally means "water of life"? A: Whisky Q: In which part of the body can you find the tragus? A: Ear Q: According to Merriam-Webster, what is the female equivalent of dude? A: Dudine Q: What is longer in the male turtles than in the females? A: Nails And the final question is... Q: According to Box Office Mojo what are the top four (4) movies of 2013 according to global profit? A: (1) Iron Man 3, (2) Despicable Me 2, (3) Fast and the Furious 6 (4) The Hunger Games: Cat...

These Little Wonders

Search This Blog