Although some jobs in life may seem small or unimportant in society’s eyes, all of God’s choices for us are the best choices because they are purposefully given.

I’m reading a wonderful book by Randy Alcorn entitled Safely Home. One of the characters has been denied a position is his chosen profession because of his faith and has figured out that the position that God has chosen for him is most important. When the character learned this lesson he posted the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his wall:

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare composed poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper, who did his job well.’”

I thought about that. The Army has an advertising slogan, “Be all that you can be.” The message is much the same; serving your country may not be easy or glamorous. In fact, it’s dangerous. The men and women who serve are certainly not in it for the money. But there is a greater and nobler purpose in service to one’s country. It’s hard to define but those who get it, truly understand. When someone asks you why your hero chose to serve, and die, you give an explanation that seems foreign to the inquirer. Until your eyes are opened to the generosity and loyalty, friendship and camaraderie, and personal sacrifice of the people who serve, it is downright difficult to get. But we know…and we understand.

God’s path is like that. “In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). I was on a path when Rhys was killed that I thought would work out perfectly; a mid-life change that would maybe make things easier financially. I graduated from law school the week Rhys was killed. Suddenly, that path seemed shallow and selfish. Perhaps my goal had more to do with personal pride than with glorifying God.

God’s plan, usually not completely clear this side of Heaven, is perfect every time. He promises. Doing our job, whatever it is, with our most capable effort and joyful spirit glorifies God. God uses all of us in whatever position, to fulfill His perfect plan. Once our eyes are opened, we know. Once we try to be all that we can be, following His word, listening to His call upon our lives, keeping our eyes on the prize that is our Heavenly home, we truly understand. And…we glorify Him. We don’t need to be famously successful, or successfully famous to be perfect in God’s economy. Just be all that you can be!

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Lynn

Account Executive at Sika Sarnafil

Lynn is an accomplished writer and business professional with a BA in English, an MBA, and JD degrees from prestigious Universities. Lynn has worked in the construction industry for 35 years.

She is also the mother of an American Hero. Her only child, Sgt. Rhys W. Klasno was killed in action on "Mother's Day," 13 May 2007 in Haditha, Iraq. Read her American Hero Tribute Blog and check out her Roofing Solutions Wonderkid Blog

Latest posts by Lynn (see all)

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