As a new social worker, I quickly realised that counselling teens through trauma, anxiety, depression, and conflict can be draining and overwhelming.  I began to feel discontent with the job I had dedicated years of education to and was discouraged by the problems that never seemed to be solved in the lives of my clients.

When I started attending a new church, I wondered about their logo — a series of arrows pointing upward.  The pastor talked about the idea of “vertical living”: doing everything for the glory of God.  It took time for this radical idea to sink in.  Going to church, reading the Bible, praying, donating to those in need — these aren’t the only ways to bring glory to God.  When my view of doing everything for the glory of God expanded to include the mundane details of my life — cleaning the house, taking care of my family, showing love to my friends, and even going to work every day — the burden of being unable to solve all of my clients’ problems lifted.

I realised that my role was not to solve every problem but to be the light of Christ in their lives, to bring God the glory through my faithful service.  That is the new meaning to my life’s work, no matter how mundane at times eternal meaning that surpasses any earthly satisfaction.  To God be the glory!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to commit every moment of each day to you.  Walk with us, and guide our words and actions so that we show your love to all.  Amen.