By Pastor Don Schatz
It is Okay to Enjoy
“They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”
Isaiah 65:22 English Standard Version
Have you ever left a project unfinished long enough for people to wonder? If not crack a joke or two at your expense? Or am I alone in this? I recently finished such an unfinished project that I began two years ago. I took a picture, and sent it to my kids to share my satisfaction, relief and joy.
It is okay to enjoy the work of your hands. Fixing breakfast. Getting the kids off to school. Going to work, whether in or out of the home. Taking walk on the beach. Projects inside the house and outside. Volunteering in the community. Helping with ministries at church. Cleaning the garage! I admit that last one is still on my to-do list.
What was it like for Jesus to say, “It is finished?” Pure speculation, I know. After his resurrection, I wonder what he thought. I’m curious that way. Not much left on his to-do list, if you will. Prepare the disciples for what was coming with the Spirit’s blessing. Of course, with Jesus all of that is truly beyond our comprehension. Yet, there was precedent for divine satisfaction. Holy enjoyment. God rested after six days of creation. He gave the seventh day to us to find and enjoy rest for our souls.
You do not have to work hard in order to then wonder if you really accomplished anything. You do not have to politely dismiss congratulations and accolades for finishing things. Frankly, it is sometimes satisfaction enough to finish an unfinished work and simply enjoy it by oneself. I pray for you today that you might look around your life and be satisfied. I pray that you will not think that a completely-checked-off to-do list is the best criterion for your value. The Lord rested and said, “It is very good.” He was talking about you.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
