Show up. Make a difference. Have an impact. We know our work is not for ourselves alone, but also for the benefit of others. Yet much of our work is of the night – hidden from the view of others.
Who runs a race by themselves, with no spectators? Most of us enjoy the excitement and energy of our efforts being seen by others. Their presence motivates us to keep going. And the struggle is real when there is no recognition of all our hard work.
But much of the work God has called us to might be night work – work that happens behind the scenes and not readily seen to the watching world.
For example, the work of confronting ourselves happens without a lot of fanfare. There is not much for others to see during the inner work of discovering our deep desires or refining our thoughts and emotions. The work is done without many cheers or affirmations. Others benefit from the results, but the work itself is often very lonely.
The same is true as we seek to bring change into the world or build meaningful relationships. Many hours are spent thinking and contemplating or engaging in the practice of love that goes unnoticed.
And when no one sees, we might start to wonder if all our efforts are even worth it. In fact, some of us only commit to the work when we are sure to have the watching eye and applause of others. And much is lost.
Our night work is not wasted. God sees even when others do not. He meets us in the night and here seeks to expand our souls.
Don’t wait for others to start whatever God has called you to. Trust the God who walks with you even in the night.
Photo by Malte Wingen on Unsplash
One Comment