And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49
“God is a kind Father. He sets us all in the place where He wishes us to be employed; and that employment is truly “our Father’s business.” He chooses work for every creature which will be delightful to them, if they do it simply and humbly. He gives us always strength enough, and sense enough, for what He wants us to do; if we either tire ourselves, or puzzle ourselves, it is our own fault. And we may always be sure, whatever we are doing, that we cannot be pleasing Him, if we are not happy ourselves.”
John Ruskin in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 123.
In wrapping up on the final day with GTP staff at the Global Gathering, I’m so happy. Most of the time this week of service I was happy too. As I reflect, the times I was not happy, I am sure I was either trying to control outcomes or trying to accomplish my purposes. Notice my issue would be like a stubborn child not wanting what the Father desired. Ever do that?
God forgive me for those times.
So what is the generous gift from our good and kind Father? We get the gift of strength sufficient for each day, the confidence that we are pleasing Him, and we get happiness in our work. Thank you for your generosity, God. Help us to embrace this so that we are always working with rather than kicking against our Father’s business and doing it with happiness.