Thankful for work...and rest

When God created the world he set a pattern in place that he instructed Adam and Eve, and all future generations, to follow.  He worked for six days, making the entire universe.  On the seventh day, he rested.

God rested.

Now, we know that being God, he doesn't really get tired.  He's all-powerful; he wouldn't have to have rested.  But he did.  Why?  To set an example for us.  Work is good, and rest is good.

During the summer Joshua works more than I do.  He's got a seven-to-four, five-day-a-week job (which I love, really; he's home well before suppertime every day).  I am so thankful for the job he has: healthy physical labor, fantastic coworkers, bosses he likes and respects.  Plus, he gets to point out to me nearly ever floor on campus and say, "I cleaned that."  And then I say, "Wow, that looks fantastic," because it does--he does a great job.

During the summer most of my work is at home.  (And I keep busy around here.  Cooking, cleaning, keeping things organized and tidy, and blogging fill a lot of my days.  I love it!)  I applied for a few jobs this summer, but haven't heard from any of them.  But guess what...I still have jobs.
-I houseclean for an older couple every other week.  I love it; I chat with the lady while I'm cleaning, plus they have a beautiful home that's a delight to clean.  And she inspires me to go home and clean my own apartment!
-I sub at the campus library when the regular summer workers need a day off or some vacation.
-I work with the catering business on campus for special events over the summer.

Today I'm doing housecleaning, tomorrow I'm working catering for twelve hours, and Monday I'm doing housecleaning for a new client.  I'm super-excited.  I might turn this into a business.  We'll see.

God is providing in so many ways.  We're so blessed to be able to use the gifts and abilities he's given us.

I am thankful for work, but I'm also thankful for rest...
-a nap on our comfy couch under a colorful, crocheted-by-my-Aunt-Erin afghan
-cuddling with my husband while we watch a movie or Smallville episode
-listening to him snore a little on the couch as he snoozes while I make supper
-snuggling in bed at night in our fuzzy flannel sheets
-reading together in the living room

God knew what we would need.  He gave us a drive to work, to be productive, to provide for our loved ones--but he also gave us opportunities to rest and refresh our bodies and minds, so that we would be better able to do our work to his glory.

So, this beautiful summer Thursday, I'm thankful that I and my husband get to work...and I'm thankful (really thankful) for the time we have to rest.

lovely linkup ladies: