Noticers, Rememberers, and Storytellers
My self-image has always been defined by my work, and I know that needs to change. But what is a uniquely Christian view of work?
Among other things, it sees work as provision—not the purpose of life. Work is a valuable act of service that uses our talents, improves the world, and earns an income. Work enables life.
But this leaves us with a challenge: what is the it that work enables if work itself isn’t what defines our purpose? We are all given meaningful life stories, but we are often too busy living to take notice. Our busyness, which we may think marks our importance, might actually be a travesty if the reason we are here is to notice all the details of living—to feel, hear, taste, and see the truth of being alive. We are meant to encounter the living God in the messiness of everyday living and to share the story and effects of those encounters with others.
This life purpose is for poets and presidents, celebrities and city managers, housewives and hedge fund managers, carpenters and creatives alike. The way we tell our story of pain and beauty, loneliness, community, and God breaking through will be determined by our gifts and interests, but the calling is common to all.
Maybe when we begin to see the truth and beauty of our lives—especially after seeing God redeem sin and suffering—we can tell that story through the mundane aspects of our work. It can begin with an attitude of joy and confidence in God’s provision rather than our attempts to control outcomes and curry favor.
Our attention to the details of our work might increase as we see how the routine grind becomes essential in developing our character and serving others. Work becomes an outward representation of the inward story of God unfolding in our lives. Each of us shares in humanity’s weaknesses and strengths, and how we live can teach others—but only if we live each day as noticers, rememberers, and storytellers.
