There is a big difference between watching a third grader do a dance recital and watching someone like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Now, I’m sure to many of you that dates me as ancient. OK, well maybe you’d think of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John when you think of dancing teams. That probably dates me as old also. OK, maybe you’d think of those who are the professional dancers in Dancing with the Stars! My point is there is a difference in how you watch a child’s dance recital and a professional. When I watch a 3rd graders dance recital, I’m probably as nervous for them as they are. I hope that they do well, but I know that no matter what happens I’m going to applaud like crazy. But when I watch Fred Astaire and Ginger, I want to dance. Not only does it make me want to dance, it makes me believe that I can dance!

It’s a joy to watch people who are doing what they want to do and what they love to do. When your heart is in your work, people take notice. They most often see excellence, enthusiasm and effectiveness. It’s attractive and compelling! Have you ever watched people at 7:30 am on their way to work? Most people really look unhappy. I don’t know if they are or not. Maybe they’re just tired. But that sure doesn’t make me want to do what they’re doing. I saw a guy dressed in some crazy outfit, I don’t think it was a chicken, but it could have been. He was holding a sign on 108th & Maple, pointing to a fast food chain advertising the day’s special. He was dancing, swinging the sign, and shouting at the cars going by. I had just eaten, but watching him enjoying what he was doing made me want to buy lunch again! Most people see a job like that as being on the lower rung of the social ladder. This guy gave the impression that he had no idea what people thought, and couldn’t have cared less if he did. He was just enjoying it to his heart’s delight. I was moved by that. Doing what you love, and loving what you do is what makes all the difference.

But everybody gets tired sometimes. Even Jesus, who I’m sure was passionate about His life on earth, had to separate himself from the crowds to reconnect with the Father. But there is a difference between being tired “of” your work, and being tired “from” your work. One time when Dwight L. Moody came home, his family said to him, “Cancel your next meeting. You look so weary and we know you are tired.” He gave this tremendous response, “I am weary in the work, but I am not weary of the work.”

Chuck
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…” Colossians 3:23