Attitude to work

The season of coursework deadlines and exams has got me thinking, but with all the typing I've done lately this won't be a long post...I hope!

I used to get pretty stressed about coursework, the worst was my A level history when I struggled to sleep. On one occasion I was so upset about it I started hyper-ventilating from crying too much. But I have become far more peaceful through uni with my deadlines, which I put down to a number of things. My housemates are pretty chilled too, so there's not an atmosphere of people being stressed. I have learnt more about my style of working and how I work best. And finally I have learnt to trust in God's peace and strength, knowing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13.

What I want to write about is now I know how I work best I have also learnt that this means I cannot compare how I am doing with other people's progress. This can cause you to feel stressed when someone else has written far more of an essay than you, or they're not bothering to revise for an exam till the last minute because they're really confident. Know that God has given us each unique gifts (Romans 12:3-8) which I think can be applied to this context too. We have different abilities and strengths, so don't compare yourself to others God made you differently, that shouldn't be something to worry about. Some people may find the comparison motivates them. That's fine, if that works then great.

A final verse I've found encouraging is Micah 6:8 - All that God requires of us is to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

The Message translation says:

"But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,

what God is looking for in men and women.

It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour,

be compassionate and loyal in your love,

And don’t take yourself too seriously—

take God seriously."

So if it gets to the end of the day and you've not done the work you had wanted to do, don't beat yourself up about it, that wasn't what God requires of you.

Although  I'm not saying it's a get out of work, as Colossians 3:23-24 says:

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."