Mindful Living: God on the Job

I try to bring a spiritual sensibility with me wherever I go, but work seems to be the last holdout, the last taboo place. Maybe my co-workers buy that “religion is the opiate of the masses”stuff which would explain that raised eyebrow look I sometimes get. They assume that those of us on a spiritual path must be less intelligent, less competent, and maybe even slightly doped up. Well, I’m as awake as I’ve ever been and I resent the implication. To make matters even more dicey, I invite God into my workplace whenever possible. After all, it’s God that got me here.

It all started one steamy August day a few years back. I had $13 to my name. No job. I’d spent Monday driving around in a sweaty haze, collecting applications for jobs I knew I’d hate. Nearly 5 PM, and a little voice told me to call the temp agency. It turned out that a company I’d done some design work for wanted me again. Tuesday, off I went. By Friday I had a raise, and an interview for a professional level position.

Being down to $13 was hell, no kidding. Saying “no”to jobs that were available, even if they were wrong for me is harder than you can imagine. Believing in myself and my vocation demands persistance and faith every minute of every day. But it was worth it. And it’s why I persist in inviting spirit to work. Sometimes I do it by staying balanced in times of stress. Sometimes it’s by listening, really listening, to someone who needs a friendly ear. Sometimes I even introduce God into the conversation, like it’s a perfectly normal thing (living on the edge you know).

I believe that each of us has a responsibility to to let people know that God is present not only at church, but everywhere. Not to prostheletize, because it isn’t about my church versus your church, but to share. If we don’t choose to live fully aware everywhere, then our lives become polarized into work at work, and home at home, and spirit only at church. The harmony of a tall redwood is also present in a well designed brochure. The gentle touch of spirit is also present in a helping hand to a co-worker. The hymn of the choir is also present in the hum of voices from a conference room.

Work may not be the thing around which your life orbits, but no matter where you go, bring God along. Bring God along!

Copyright May, 1999

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