By Karen O’Connor
Can you find God at the office by seeking Him first, then changing your attitude?
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Years ago while on a temporary writing assignment at a publishing company, I realized I was putting in time instead of living in the time I had. Somehow I’d forgotten how to be alert to the little joys that are part of each day, how to find God at the office, regardless of the circumstances.
Right then I decided to approach this short-term position with a new attitude and a new perspective. I stopped obsessing over personality conflicts, income, deadlines, and office politics. Instead I focused on how I could bring serenity to those around me and to myself too.
I came up with a simple plan based on some principles I’d read in a magazine article years before. Maybe they’ll work for you too.
• Do something nice for yourself. For example, put something in your office or cubicle that is just for you, maybe a photo, an inspiring quote, a fresh flower.
• Do something caring toward another. You could post an uplifting quotation on the bulletin board each day, start the coffee, invite a co-worker to join you for lunch.
• Do something that needs to be done––even if you don’t feel like doing it. How about purging your desk drawer of paper clutter, shredding data that is no long relevant, phoning people you’d rather not speak with. Challenges disappear when you handle them.
• Give thanks each day. Consider what a difference it would make in your office if you became the ‘gratitude guru,’ being quick to say, “Thank you” to others.
It takes so little to change the way we behave toward others and our attitude. Start your day first by seeking the Lord and His will for you for the day, and you are more likely to find God at the office, or any other workplace.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, NIV Bible)
Here’s are a few awesome videos about living out your faith in the workplace, from Transform Work UK: transformworkuk.org (Twitter @Transformworkuk.)
©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com
