I work well when I have a long view of a task. I enjoy working on any small module or task when I know what the big picture is. I like to know what I am contributing towards.
When I was in school I was told the story of three masons.
A man came across three masons who were working at chipping chunks of granite from large blocks. The first seemed unhappy at his job, chipping away and frequently looking at his watch. When the man asked what it was that he was doing, the first mason responded, rather curtly, “I’m hammering this stupid rock, and I can’t wait ’til 5 when I can go home.”
A second mason, seemingly more interested in his work, was hammering diligently and when asked what it was that he was doing, answered, “Well, I’m molding this block of rock so that it can be used with others to construct a wall. It’s not bad work, but I’ll sure be glad when it’s done.”
A third mason was hammering at his block fervently, taking time to stand back and admire his work. He chipped off small pieces until he was satisfied that it was the best he could do. When he was questioned about his work he stopped, gazed skyward and proudly proclaimed, “I…am building a cathedral!”
Three men, three different attitudes, all doing the same job. The third mason’s attitude left an impression on me. I have since then always wanted to know what I am working on so that I can contribute to a cause as best as I can.
This week I am expecting to two major events to occur. One event will have major implications for Cross Cultured Church. The other will have major implications for our family. While I have no idea how it will all shape out eventually. I know this much… this week will be landmark.
I am hopeful that God will lead us in such ways as to bring him the most glory through each of the events. And whatever be the outcomes will be for the best.
The thing about such events is that I want a certain outcome. I am hoping for a certain outcome. There is a desired destination. But as is most of life, the future is not known. Everything is hazy. And that make my heart beat faster than usual. I am not anxious. But there is some amount of “what’s gonna happen?” on my mind.
Help me have quiet myself Lord. I trust in you.
The particular difficulty that I am having at this point is that both these events have bearing on the other events to some extent. Which in a way also means that I have no long view on what is about to happen. Which means until I have more certainty I am unable to work well on any task that I am doing. That bothers me the most at this point. I want to be able to do each task well. But those tasks are not producing in me as much joy as they could produce.
So this week, I am going to only work on things that are essential. So that I do not give anything but my best for these tasks. Everything else can wait till next week. It is best I wait.
