30 Days of Gratitude: Beauty & Toil

Day 1

As I reluctantly prepared to for a day's work of toiling away, I was filled with wonder as soon as I stepped outside.  The wind was blowing, but the temperature was perfect and the skies were an azure blue that contrasted the golden and fiery red leaves in a breathtaking fashion.  

As I continued on my drive, the location changed, but the scenery did not disappoint.  I found myself smiling at the way that the true Autumn season had arrived. 

Just a few miles away from my destination, I saw a sign with Ecclesiastes 3:11 on it.  I just began reading Ecclesiastes this morning & smiled at God's reminder that He created the seasons and loves to bestow His significant beauty upon us. 

The context of this verse is also very timely.  

What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better than for men to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in his toil--this is the gift of God. 

Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 

So as I arrived at my destination, I remembered that doing work as unto God is good & satisfying.

  

Today I am grateful for God's beauty experienced now & to come, and the opportunity to toil and produce fruit from my labor.  May whatever work you find yourself doing be fruitful & fulfilling, knowing that God created us to find joy in our work.  May you also know that His handiwork, evident during this glorious season can be enjoyed as a marvelous masterpiece.