As we go through life, there are lots of things that we have to do and lots of things that we like to do. If we were given the choice, then I think most of us would opt for the latter, concentrating on the things that we like to do, simply because when we do these things, they give us a sense of joy and accomplishment. When it comes to having to do other things, things that we might not like doing so much, we can sometimes become resentful and lose our joy, even though in the act of doing these things, we may be accomplishing a great deal, if not for us, then for those around us. Work and mundane tasks are part of our everyday lives, we can either grumble on with our heads down, or learn to become ‘at peace’ and get on with the task at hand.
God isn’t sitting in the Heavenly realms wanting us live miserable lives, in fact it’s just the opposite, He wants us to have life in all its fullness (John 10:10). This fullness comes from us being in a fullness of relationship with Him, so that whatever we are doing, we can do it with joyful hearts, knowing that ultimately, we are in His service. Paul sums this up in Colossians 3:23-24:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
When God sees the joy in our hearts, it fills Him with joy too. He knows the Joy of Creating – just look at the wonders of the universe all around – God just loves to create and when He does, He creates beautiful and wondrous things, you and me included! Joy is a wonderful, it bubbles up and overflows beyond our lives and into the lives of others, simply because Joy reflects a huge aspect of who God is – a God of Joy and a God of Peace.
The Joy of Creation is a wonderful thing! As we are made in God’s image, we too have the gift of creation, which takes us back to the things we like doing. There are many things that we love to do that we aren’t necessarily good at, but still we struggle on, partly because of the enjoyment it brings and partly because we hope to get better over time – for me, this is where my dire attempts at golf spring to mind…
Yet, God has given every one of us special gifts and talents, things that we not only like doing, but those special things that we are also very good at! Max Lucardo calls this our ‘Sweet Spot’, where everything comes together and time passes by effortlessly.
As a professional coach, I find that this is often the key to unlocking a person’s potential, uncovering the things in people’s lives that they are not only good at, but also that they enjoy. This is the Joy of the creator at its very highest, not only finding joy in the mundane tasks of life, but the indescribable joy when everything clicks together and in our hearts we can say: ‘I was made for this…’
So, if you find yourself stuck in a rut, why not take some time out to reflect on the gifts that God has given you, particularly the things that you are naturally good at and enjoy. Then deliberately plan to take some time out from the everyday mundane and focus on the things that God gave you a special gifting for. The Joy of the Creator will shine in you, and who knows, may well spill over and give you joy in all the other things too!
