We tend to celebrate exciting new developments. You got a new job or started your own business? Yay! You bought a new car or a new house? Congratulations, it’s beautiful! Seldom do we go up to someone and say, “You’ve driven the same car for twelve years! You are managing your money so well and being super-wise by being so steady. Well done!” Typically we just ignore details like that or wonder why they haven’t gotten rid of that piece of junk yet? Sadly enough, I have found that we can treat people the same way. People who have lived consistent, steady lives can often be overlooked or dismissed as boring. I am about to celebrate seventeen years of working at the same place. No, I’m not in charge, I just serve there. However, shouldn’t I be doing something new and exciting by now? Shouldn’t I have my own thing going by this point in my life? Am I a failure for being faithful? Perhaps you have wondered the same thing in your own context?
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.” In other words, if I have struggled with these thoughts then a lot of people have as well. But the truth is, I seldom hear people talk about it. I hear plenty of people complain about it, but not much constructive conversation. While there is plenty of self reflection in this post, it is more about us than it is about me. In our social media driven society of “I am awesome and look at the cool stuff I get to do,” are we creating a culture that only values new and exciting while diminishing the value of faithful and consistent? It is not super exciting that you have faithfully eaten dinner at the table together as a family for years. It doesn’t look as exciting as photos from the new trendy restaurant everyone has heard about. Actually, it looks much the same every night. But is boring bad?
Today is Monday. You Are Amazing!
If we are not careful we can succumb to the undertow that suggests adventure is only discovered in trying something new and different. There is an aspect of adventure in that expression, but it is not the only one. Have you ever talked with a couple who has been married for fifty years or more? I have many times, and I love it! The stories of adventure, heartbreak, joy, mystery and wonder are some of my favorites to hear and collect. Sometimes the adventure of a lifetime is to simply commit to something and/or someone and build a lifetime of adventure together. (Click here to read my post, “The Illusion of New and Exciting”)
I have often wondered what our work-places would be like if we celebrated people simply because they have worked there for 3,000 days, or because, “Hey, it’s Monday and you are here!” Often we wait until someone is leaving for a new job before we tell them how much we value their contribution. Seems a little late to me? The truth is we all can choose to do that for each other anytime we want to. The question is do we think about it? I am trying to do that more and more. I don’t want to wait until someone is feeling like a failure for being faithful before I offer an encouraging word to them. Recently I wrote a piece called “Handing Out Hundred Dollar Bills.” It would be a good read if this idea intrigues you. Click the link to check it out.
Are you a failure for being faithful? Far from it. But I cannot promise you won’t feel like one. People are often surprised to learn just how often I struggle with these ideas. I am a fairly positive person and genuinely enjoy life. However, while people will often tell me how talented they think I am or how sure they are that there are great things in store for me in my future, I can start wondering, “If I am as awesome as you say, why isn’t anyone trying to hire me away or invite me into a new adventure?” Or “how come I haven’t launched out into my own new ministry or business venture yet?” Ironically, what was intended to be an encouragement can start me down a path of feeling like I am a failure for being faithful. What about you? Do you struggle with feeling like a failure for being faithful instead of recognizing the strength and comfort your consistency brings? (Click here to read my post, “Is Being Content Just Being Lazy?”)
Running the Middle Miles
As I was coming to the end of my 30’s and starting my 40’s I had a conversation on some of these concepts with my dad. He told me I was entering the “middle miles of the race” where you can question every single step. He said, “Son, you are too far from the starting line to hear the crowd cheering you on to victory and you are too far from the end of the race to see the finish line and hear the band playing. You just have to remind yourself you are in a race, that every step is getting you closer to the prize, and that each one matters.” Perhaps you need to hear my father’s words today, as well? I often have to be reminded of them.
What is next for me? I do not know but it seems like it will be called Tuesday (since today is Monday as I write this). My prayer is that whatever comes next I will be found faithful doing what God has called me to do and being who God has called me to be; a loving husband to my wife of 20 years, a father to my three incredible children, a faithful steward of the ministry God has entrusted to me, and a loyal friend. What is next for you? I do not know. But my prayer is that you will be found faithful, no matter what adventure you go on. And if that adventure looks like living in the same neighborhood for decades, growing old loving and serving your family, friends and community as you work the same job for 30+ years, then know it is a beautiful story that is accomplishing so much more than you could ever imagine.
From the Bible
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ – Matthew 25:23 NLT
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3 NIV