“Instructions for Living a Life”

By Mary Oliver

Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

I shared this poem on my personal LinkedIn page last week because I think it has huge implications for Christians at work.

Pay attention – There is an attention issue in living out our faith at work. We must be aware of what is happening on multiple planes simultaneously.

– What is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit saying to me throughout my day about who I am, and where I find purpose and value? Am I developing ways to stay connected with God and growing in my attention to His promptings?

– What is going on in my coworkers? Am I tuned in to their tone, posture, and countenance to know how to serve them?

– Am I listening closely in meetings, focused in my work, and solving the problems that need solving?

Be astonished – One of the marks of our faith is joy and Christians are to bring wonder into their ordinary work.

– Two critical components of astonishment are gratitude and awe. How am I cultivating them?

– Do I ever take time to look around and marvel at the gifts that exist on your team? Noticing that will stir amazement about who you work with and what you can accomplish together.

– How do you tackle a complex problem? Do you lean toward dread or delight in the possibility of solving it?

Tell about it – Christians by nature are witnesses. We give testimony to what we see but this does not mean preaching at work.

– How quickly do you call out good work when you see it?

– When was the last time that you celebrated another’s contribution to your work?

– Do you tell impact stories that remind your team of the significance of your work?

Jesus said, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

When Christians pay attention, be astonished, and tell stories of goodness, faithfulness, and redemption in work, they help others see meaning where many see only tasks.