For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them

– Ephesians 2:10

“Maybe we can get you a fleece sweater to help keep you warm” my mom said as she glanced over to me in the passenger seat. She was picking up a very grumpy 15-year-old me from my first job at HyVee. I had applied hoping to be a cashier or work at the food counters, and had instead been assigned to cutting fruit all day, every day, in the walk-in freezer. My mom was gently urging me not to quit after my first full day wearing a hairnet in a freezer. Not exactly what I thought gainful employment would look like.

I never grew fond of that job and eventually resigned when I found something less cold. But I’ve thought a lot about the skills I learned there – skills that go beyond how quickly I can cut a pineapple (although I will say I’m a pretty impressive fruit prepper). God used that time to introduce me to many coworkers who came from different backgrounds than me. God was teaching me people skills even in the back of very cold freezer.

In Ephesians, Paul is reminding Christians that God not only commands us to love our neighbors; He uses our life experiences, our neighbors, and His Word to teach us how! God equips us to love and serve others in worship and in the sacraments, but He doesn’t stop there. Cleaning up after our kids, sitting in meetings at work, checking-in with friends, and even working in a freezer are all opportunities the Holy Spirit uses to equip us for good works.

As you meet today’s challenges and joys, may you be reminded that the Holy Spirit makes the most boring parts of our everyday lives holy ground to learn how to love as He loves us!

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, help me to see my everyday life as holy ground for your will! Teach me to love others as you love me.

Daily Reading: Luke 11

– Contributed by Hannah Hayden