And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  — Colossians 3:17

I am about to hit a difficult stretch of work.  After today, there will be 130 days of school down, and 50 to go.  Right when the weather turns nice, it seems to become “get kicked out of school” season, which means we get a lot of students heading our way at the alternative school.  Let me tell you, right now, we have a lot heading our way.

I don’t tell you this to feel sorry for me, I tell you this because it becomes a fight in my spirit and my mind to give it my best.  At this time of the year, I get crazy tired and sleepy.  I get sinus headaches from the changing weather.  I find myself coming home and crashing for an hour or two, then because of that, I end up having trouble sleeping through the night. All this leads to draggy devotions in the morning which lead me to going to work tired and starting the cycle all over again.  I know all this, and I hate it.

So, what do I do?  

First, I say in my mind as much as possible Colossians 3:17 or Colossians 3:23.  Throughout the day, I must bring this to mind.  Just yesterday, I didn’t do wo well . . . I think I’m going to write it on a note card so that this is brought to my mind much more today.

Second, with these verses in mind, I slow down and try to enjoy what I’m doing.  This is the best tactic I’ve ever used.  Too often, I rush through the day.  I watch the clock while looking so forward to ending my workday.  Unfortunately, when I do this, I don’t stop rushing through the rest of the day.  I find that I’m walking back into work just as quickly as I was walking out the day before.  Time seems to have sped up.  

Even at this moment, I feel like I’m cranking out this WMD.  I’m typing at the speed of my thoughts.  As I take a deep breath, the peace of God floods me.  I’m relaxed.  I feel like He is in perfect control and all things really are working for my good.  If I can break my day apart and enjoy each little part and do each part for His glory, I know I’ll come home full of joy and feeling great about having lived this day for the Lord.  I know I’ll come home with peace in my heart and that He will give me perfect rest.

Lord, I want to walk with You today.  I want to enjoy each and every thing that must get done.  When I feel Your presence and know that You are right there with me, everything is such a pleasure.   I’ve spent so much of my life asking for things that I thought would make me enjoy life.  You wound up giving me eternal life so that I might enjoy all things.  I only get to work here for a little while longer.  Help me bring You maximum glory with the time I have left.  Whether it is the words I speak, or the deeds that I do, help me to bring honor to Your Name!  Amen.