The Christian Working Woman - Fran & Jesus on the Job: Bored with Job

Do you ever get bored with your job? Boredom is a common problem we all face. Our friend Fran deals with boredom on her job. In case you’re not familiar with this series, this is a fictional story of a woman who is learning to practice the presence of Jesus on her job. It’s Tuesday afternoon, and Fran is sitting at her desk looking at the clock. “Three o’clock; wow, has this been a long day. I am ready to go home. In fact, I’m ready for the weekend, and it’s only Tuesday. How am I going to make it to Friday?” She says out loud to herself. She realizes she hasn’t had much energy in the past few days. She feels a bit guilty, but she can rationalize it to herself. “I’m just tired of the same old routine, you know,” she tells herself. “I guess I’m ready for a new job. I think I’ve got this one down pat, and there’s no challenge in it for me.” That quiet voice of Jesus says to her, “So, you feel you’ve done all you can do with this job? No new ground to break, no room for improvement?” Coming to understand Jesus is aware of her every word and thought still catches her by surprise at times, but as she is learning to practice the presence of Jesus, she is more and more aware of his reaction to her words and thoughts. She responds, “Well, I guess there’s always room for improvement, but I’ve been here a few years now. Yeah—I think I’m ready for bigger things.” Jesus says, “Have you noticed your attitude in the last few days and weeks? Can you see your work habits have deteriorated a bit, maybe because of your attitude?” That’s a little hard for Fran to own up to quite yet. She says, “I don’t think I’ve been that bad. I’m still getting my work done.” “Yes,” Jesus says, “but are you working with excellence; are you doing it with all your might?” Jesus reminds her of a familiar verse from Ecclesiastes 9:10. Fran says, “Lord, I do more work on a bad day than most of my coworkers do on a good day.” Jesus replies, “So, by comparing yourself with others, you can justify your lack of doing your best, is that what you’re telling me, Fran?” Fran is not sure how to answer him, so she shifts in her seat and starts to shuffle papers. Boredom. It can certainly lead to some poor work habits and keep us from being our best, can’t it?