Usefulness

There is a deep desire in many to feel useful.  To be busy.  To feel needed.  When that desire is not met it brings great disappointment.

A dear friend of mine walked away from a job because she didn’t feel needed.  Her presence created a sense of comfort for others because the role she filled kept them from being distracted from their work.  But she needed more to do than just be a presence in a place.

She needed to feel needed.  She needed for her hands and mind to be engaged.  She was bored.  She wanted to believe that she was contributing to the value of the organization.  And that didn’t happen.  So she left.  I can’t blame her.  I like to stay busy too.

She is a rare treasure in current times.  She wanted to work.  I have seen and worked with many people through the years.  I have found it more common to find people that wanted to sit and draw a paycheck without making any contribution except to benefit themselves.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.  Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)

There are different reasons people have for working.  Hers wasn’t for the money.  Hers was to satisfy the need for feeling useful.  She found excellence in doing and when that was missing, she couldn’t keep going.

She wanted her work to count.  She wanted it to matter.  She wanted it to be needed. 

Do you find yourself working for others or working for the Lord?  Please share.