toil

Dear friends (esp. y6es), I know that it hasn't necessarily been a good start to the year, what with most of us looking half-dead before the end of Term 1 Week 2, facing a hundred impossible deadlines which look ominously close to each other, and feeling much pressure come upon us. It's wearisome, working and working and working late into the night and morning.

But how about a paradigm shift?

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil–this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. -Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4, ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thess. 5:16-18, ESV

Take a minute to breathe. Be still before Him; tune out noise and clutter for awhile and immerse yourself in His word, His goodness, His holiness and love. The commandments here might seem crazy and far-fetched and a biiit too extreme but then again, they are - by human effort, that is. Let go, let God (: Praying for you all!