Discover a scriptural perspective on aging that reframes it not as decline, but as a divine process of growth, purpose, and deeper faith. Learn how to embrace each season of life with peace and grace, celebrating the timeless qualities.

Loving Others When It's Difficult

3 Reminders for When Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Feels Insignificant

In seasons of feeling overlooked or misunderstood, God’s presence offers intimate assurance. This prayer draws you into the powerful truth of Isaiah 49:16—that you are engraved on His hands and eternally known by your Creator.

After graduating from college this spring, I had four days of rest before jumping headlong into a full-time corporate position. People congratulated me on landing a job straight out of college—especially considering I’d been a writing major. But following the applause came the exposing question: “Have you been enjoying what you do at work?” My lackluster response echoed that of many newly graduated employees in their first jobs: “It’s not my dream, but it pays!” Many sympathized with me, communicating similar experiences. But some suggested I should use my free time to find something better suited to my abilities. Why settle for the mundane? For my generation, the narratives surrounding career journeys are dizzying. We’re told that getting a job—any job—is the responsible thing to do. At the same time, we’re told a competing narrative: If you don’t like where you are, you deserve more. If your current employer doesn’t appreciate your talent and value, look elsewhere. Always chase the promotion, or a different job altogether. Yet statements like these—even if they have some semblance of truth—perpetuate a discontented, self-serving spirit. If you’re wading through a disorienting season of elusive career direction, remember this: God’s purposes remain trustworthy, even when they aren’t immediately revealed. Prepare a Sanctified Heart Certain jobs may indeed be temporary placeholders or stepping stones on the way to something bigger. It’s not wrong to have career aspirations and to explore other opportunities while we are working a less ideal job. However, it’s a mistake to diminish what God can do in and through us in the present moment. When we perceive the professional starting line only as a means to a more desirable “next step” in our career, an insidious sense of chronic dissatisfaction grows within us. Colossians 3:23–24 directs us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” This biblical instruction doesn’t change whether our occupation is appealing or not. The phrase “whatever you do” encompasses both desirable appointments and grunt work; heavenly rewards for a job well done don’t fluctuate based on the person’s delight in it. The phrase ‘whatever you do’ encompasses both desirable appointments and grunt work. These verses fall into the “easier said than done” category of Scripture. But if we have difficult or monotonous jobs, we can prepare our hearts before the workday starts. If, like me, you have a lengthy commute, use this time to humble yourself before the Lord through prayer, worship music, or listening to a sermon. I particularly love the hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” an ancient liturgy that calls me to “ponder nothing earthly minded.” If you work from home, carve out a devoted period before your workday to quietly commune with God. While it may require bumping back your alarm, nourishing your soul in the early waking moments sets the tone for the day and prepares you for whatever frustration or uncertainty is ahead. Paul explicitly warns believers about the chase for wealth, influence, and recognition—all emphasized in the world of “climbing the corporate ladder.” He emphasizes that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” but “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation . . . into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Tim. 6:6, 9). Keeping your heart centered on God helps you be cheerfully resilient in unfavorable work situations, while rebuking greed for power and recognition. Every Field Is a Mission Field Unfulfilling positions can make us feel like our hard-fought academic endeavors were for naught. Taking “filler jobs” can seem like we’re missing our true purpose. The word “job” is sometimes used interchangeably with “vocation.” The latter comes from the Latin verb vocare (“to call”). Christians will have different jobs. But we all share a calling in the mission God lays out in Scripture: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20). Christians will have different jobs. But we all share a calling in the mission God lays out in Scripture. At least one part of every Christian’s vocation is clear: to spread the gospel. This assignment can be fulfilled in any workplace. More important than our job title in our email signature is a title God gives every Christian: “witness.” To be a faithful witness of the gospel is to make the most of whatever space we’re in, seeking to align our personal goals with God’s mission. Difficult jobs will remain unbearable if we’re hyperfocused on our unaccomplished dreams. But by shifting our focus to how we can presently pursue God’s goals, we’ll be far more satisfied. Don’t Waste the Waiting It’s not inherently wrong to have hopes and dreams for your career. Half the excitement of college is looking forward to making waves in the field you’re passionate about. However, the reality of “dream jobs” is that they rarely manifest overnight. Most careers include a lengthy period of acquiring new skills, gaining experience, and “doing your time” in entry- and mid-level positions. Instead of becoming discouraged, Christian young people should see this as an opportunity to cultivate tenacity and patience—virtues that will serve them beyond any career position. Work hard even when it’s boring. Be a team player whom people like working with, even if you wish you were anywhere else. Christians are called to steward whatever God has given them presently, for “one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). Focusing on proving yourself as a responsible employee will equip you far better than daydreaming of some hoped-for future. It’s easy to become caught up in the worldly rat race, driven by self-centered aspirations. Instead, train yourself for longevity in the only competition that ultimately matters. Aim to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:1–2). The One who completed the hardest work imaginable did so with immeasurable joy, commitment, and a willing spirit. Who are we to strive for any less?