Occupational Privilege

 

“Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.”

—Psalm 107:23-24

What parts of your job give you privilege? Maybe you hadn’t considered that before. But, in this passage of Scripture, we read about sea-faring merchants who saw things the average person would never observe about God. Does the work you do afford you special ways of seeing God that others will never know?

Let’s say you stay home to raise children. Almost no one ever sees your hard work and sacrifice, your patience and devotion to those little ones. Yet, you have the privilege of catching the first word from a baby’s mouth, or to observe a funny never-to-be-repeated expression that passed so quickly you couldn’t even get your cell phone camera out! You may hear your child’s first prayer, or notice the pure joy on the little face over some new discovery.

Let’s say you own a thrift store and sort through pounds and pounds of other people’s junky leftovers. You alone discover the old cabinet for which you’ve been looking that will work so nicely as a baby’s changing table. Or have the opportunity to witness how something a struggling person finds in your store will fill a great need they couldn’t afford to satisfy any other way.

In my occupation as a church organist and as a school music teacher, I have often experienced God’s awesome blessing, or privilege. I’ve seen the Holy Spirit come and move a congregation by a hymn, or piece of music, that I accompanied. I’ve experienced the moment, after hours of practicing, where the right interpretation of a piece comes together.

I’ve seen an angry, moody child who came to my music class with a pout and refused to participate later leave my class with a skip in his step and a smile on his face. I’ve heard glorious sounds from children in rehearsals that no one else would ever hear in a performance.

God makes sure He shows up and reveals Himself in the day-to-day experiences of His children. Too often we miss seeing unique experiences. Or, when we do, we fail to acknowledge that our God is the author of such blessings.

Today, no matter what your work, take notice of all the ways in which you see God’s privileges in a different way than any other person, through those things He brings to pass along your very special pathway.