On a Great Life-Lesson in Transition

As I transition out of my job I have left my office for the temporary cubicle world. This episodic foray touched off a curious game of musical chairs as a number of moves were afoot. In the space of three days I was forced to move three times, so I cheerfully (well OK not always) went through the office pushing a cart with my few office possessions to the next cube, singing along the way. I greeted my temporary neighbors with a smile; all warning me to keep my singing to a minimum. I must admit, going from a place of settled comfort to a series of temporary places did lessen my morale. So maybe it was also coupled with the loss of position and a sense of temporal uncertainty of a new job which to-date still is in a hazy cloud.

I am not overly-concerned with the job-future, although I must continue to remind myself of the "sparrow and the lillies"; this chapter has reminded me of temporary nature of our earthly tent, that is our body. I was curious of the middle-eastern bedouines. These simple peoples push their sheep across the desert, or fastidiously farm the reeds along the Tigris. Theirs is a simple lot and it reminds me that travelling light is not a bad thing.

While I have been consumed by these transitions, frankly little else has occupied my time, I have to realize that little eternal value is recompensed for our job performance, our temporary merits or our achievements, no matter how towering. I am reminded of the Judgment Seat of Christ which shall examine our investment here, Paul intimates this in 1Cr 3:12-14 "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. This foundation here he speaks of if Christ. In other words, only the spiritual things done in the right heart will last, are timeless diamonds, is limitless gold, and eternal silver!

Hard work and merit on earth are fine, even encouraged as "unto the Lord", but I am to take heed to the those things that will not be burned up...those that will abide.....not like the office or the cubicle or the position....or the money. It reminds me of the poem from the unknown author which ends with this phrase.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

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