Bittersweet

    Everyone has those good days, where you are floating on air, full of joy, confident that nothing can pull you down. Then you have those days where you just have no motivation, nothing seems to go right, and you feel like you are fussing at everyone. Today was different for me, though. Today was bittersweet.

    I've been preparing for months to start college in January. I'm planning my schedule, touring my school, asking a lot of questions. I was super excited to be offered a job in the department where I will be studying. I know that this is what God wants me to do, and I am feeling confident and motivated (even as I consider that I will be taking chemistry as part of the 17 credit hours of my first semester!!) I'm happy and excited, because I know this is what God wants me to do. However, this morning, as I was driving into work, I struggled to keep a smile on my face. Today I had to write my first letter of resignation, and it was much harder than I expected. I LOVE my job. For several months, I've worked at my local library. I thought I was excited about this job when I applied. Wow, that seems like yesterday! But while thinking about these past few months I realize that this job was even better than I anticipated. I had a wonderful boss, manager, and coworkers. I feel now that they are all friends. I have loved the chance to get to know members of my community. Now I actually recognize people when I drive down the street, and it is so cool! And now I'm leaving this! Who wouldn't be sad about that?

    Then another thought struck me... why is it that such a small percentage of people actually seem to feel this way about their jobs? Maybe... just maybe it is because of themselves. Maybe their boss really isn't as bad as they think. Maybe their coworkers are actually pretty cool. Maybe we need to change how we view our jobs. Guys, ladies, it isn't just a job! By working, you have the chance every single day to make an impact on the people around you. If you are negative about things, the people around you see that. If you are positive about things, people see that, too. But not only that. If we are positive about what we are doing, what we've been instructed to do, it makes us feel better,  even when no one else pays any attention.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

    We are the future, and we have a chance to make a difference. You should be excited about that! Today, if you don't do it for anyone else, work diligently for yourself. Work with such an attitude that when you have to turn in your letter of resignation, you are confident that you have done your best. Work in such a way that you are proud of what you've done, even if you've made mistakes. We are living in a time where everyone is looking for the negative side of every situation. Don't add to that! Be proud of yourself! You CAN make a difference today!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

    You are the one in charge of choosing how you live each day. Your decisions really do matter. If you can make a difference in your job today, even if it just affects you, go for it! I can tell you from experience that it is worth it. This is why I am bittersweet today. I am sad to leave the library, but I am excited to see what God has planned for my future.

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Philippians 1:20

    As I was driving in my truck this morning, struggling to smile because I was sad to be leaving my job, this song came on the radio, and I remembered why I had to smile. I have no reason not too! I've done my best, and God's got this under control! It's time to be excited! So all of this long post is just to say, I let that smile take over today. I knew I messed up a lot, probably numerous times every day throughout my 6 months in this job, but I'm confident that I did my best. I hope you can have that confidence today.