IN DUE SEASON

“Work at your tasks in due season,

And in His own time God will give you your reward.”

Ecclesiasticus a well known name,  51:30

This verse jumped out at me this morning.  I had a down day yesterday, one of those “what’s it all about Alfie?” days that come occur from time to time, when I think about all I’ve done and didn’t do, and asked, “So What”.  So I saw this verse as a note from God, so I would have a better day today.

I was especially taken by the “in His own time God will give you your own reward.”  I tend to be more of an immediate gratification type and kind of want to see some acknowledgment and appreciation after I do something; nothing big, just some kind of response. When I don’t get them and it causes me to go to places in my head that I really don’t want to go.  I have tried to discipline that habit and many times it works; sometimes it doesn’t.

After reading the verse over again several times I then had to ask, what are my tasks, and what does it mean to work them in due season?  I have had many due seasons in my life and I have accomplished many tasks in those seasons.  As I look back I can honestly say I did the best that I could do at the time.  I feel good about the work I did with the folks in the various Church positions I had through the years.  I feel good about the work I did in all the various jobs I had through the years.  I especially feel good about my Camp work, may raison d’etre so to say.  I also feel good about the work I am doing now, in these on my own days.  All in all I feel I have been faithful to work at my tasks in due season, and for me that is reward enough.

Where I get in trouble is when I look at where others have gotten in this life with all their accomplishments; fame, fortune, a well known and respected name for themselves.  Outside of God and a few family and friends, no one knows I exist.  Most of the time I could care less, but every once in awhile I wonder why some people, and not others?   Thankfully I don’t stay in that mind set for long.  My go to verse in those moments is when Jesus is talking to Peter on the shore, telling him about the struggles he will have.  Peter turns around and points to John and says, “Lord, what about this man?”  Jesus says to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow me!”  (John 21:21,22).

I do well to keep my focus on me and work at my tasks in due season.  Whatever reward I have coming will be in God’s own time and it will be sufficient.