Back to porridge

The wife is back to work. The long holiday period is finally over as the house returns to normal. 

Even though I was working last week it still felt like a semi-holiday due to my lovely other-half being about. The occasional lie-in, hour-long lunches, chats over a cuppa - good times.  But now I must again face what the vast majority of you faced over a week ago.  Normality has returned.

To be honest I expect productivity rates to rise now that my favourite distraction is no-longer about but it's just not going to be as much fun. Or is it?

Why does work have to be a chore; can't it be the best part of the day? It's certainly the longest part of the waking day for most people so lets all make the most of it.  Whether you are a student, a tech guy, a high-flyer a low-flyer or someone who hands out flyers, make the most of your day.  Do it with all you've got, make it count and see what happens.

I've got a great job, I do what I love doing and I love doing what I do.  I know that's not the case for everyone and many of you probably would much rather be doing something else.  But tough, for today you are doing your thing, that's where you are at this moment so give it your all and, even if you are not there for ever, you can sleep soundly knowing you earned that pay-packet and made a contribution.

Porridge?  I love it.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16

--------------------------------------------------------------

Here's some porridge everyone loves.

As I Live and Breathe

I grew up believing I was going to be a hero. A fireman, a doctor, a celebrity, the inventer of a cure for cancer, a footballer, Timmy Mallett...  But there came a time when I realised I wasn't going to save lives on a daily basis or score the winning goal at wembley or make a living hitting children on the head with a foam hammer.  But that's ok because those things wouldn't have brought any satisfaction any way.

We spent the weekend celebrating the 30th birthday of a very good friend of mine. She was given a card which said "Inside every 30 year old is an 18 year old wondering where it all went wrong"  Now this is ironic because she is still young, vibrant and beautiful with life in the palm of her hand but there are those who believe youth and life end at the same time. The truth is that for as long as we have breath God has a purpose for us. Whether 1 or 120 we are still of use to him.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Life is more exciting with a purpose.  Not easier but definately more exciting.  We have direction and drive.  Unfortunately there are many people in the world who haven't found their purpose yet.  They see themselves getting older, maybe picking up a few wrinkles and a few scars along the way and wonder where it all went wrong.

God promises us that He has a purpose for us all. Under his guidance we no longer have to put up with drudgery, we can live a life that matters to God and to other people. He doesn't promise hero worship or celebrity status but something much much better, a life that means something not just now but for eternity.

Our primary purpose is to worship God, putting Him first in all things; everything else will flow from that and life will change. Promise.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
   to receive glory and honor and power,
   for you created all things,
      and by your will they were created
      and have their being."