Satisfaction, I Like It
A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)
On a recent trip to a car wash I tried to tip the young man who washed the baked-on bugs off of people’s vehicles before they passed through the wash. His response totally caught me by surprise.
“No mam! This is my job! It’s what I do!” He made this statement with a huge smile on his face and in all sincerity. I totally believed him.
Now, I know he had to get hot, tired, wet, and downright uncomfortable standing outside while doing that job in the Texas summer heat. Yet, he did it with enthusiasm and joy. What a great attitude!
How many times have I found myself dreading going to work or piddling around instead of getting my household chores done? What if I went about my day with the same attitude of the young man I came in contact with? What if I desired to do whatever God called me to do with diligence? Would I feel “satisfied”? Proverbs 13:4 says I would.
As a believer in God, first and foremost my desire to obey him tops the list. When I obey him, I have a much better outlook even through the challenges a job may pose. I will see chores through to completion. I will spend my time more wisely. Even times of rest will replenish me more because of effective productivity the other parts of my day. If I admit it, all of that brings me satisfaction.
What about the desire to draw people to him? If others see me doing my assignments without complaining and grumbling, perhaps they will be curious about the source of my contentment providing me an opportunity to share my motivation. How satisfying would that be?
God, thank you for that inspiring young man at the car wash. Help me desire to do my job diligently so I can respond like him with a smile, “This is my job, it’s what I do!” Ah, satisfaction!
Susan Partida
