After an open December with above average temperatures I went out after breakfast today to shovel snow.

With the cold temperatures (-10C 14F) the snow was lightweight. The westerly wind was biting cold as I shovelled the snow at the front of the house.

snowshovelAs I came back into the house I had to admit, as always, that I enjoy removing snow. It is one of those jobs that, when one has finished, it looks finished. Rather like garden weeding or tilling, one can look back and actually discern what has been accomplished.

Now, in honesty, living for Jesus (especially for me as a spiritual seed planter), I rarely get to observe any finished ministry. While that has always been my calling, it rises even more so that my ministry is now workplace witness. I do not know if anything I do will impact on the clients or my colleagues.

So, I revel in this small thing, pushing snow out of the way, because I get a sense of finality.

The previous days of this week I spent in our attic replacing disintegrated vapour barrier. While it has finally been completed, I don’t want to look at it. Between pulled muscles, broken nails, slivers, and suffering from dust and insulation fibres that task did not bring satisfaction – except, it is done. That causes deep gratitude, not satisfaction.

Some things we do with delight, as they fall within our arena of gifts. Some have to be done, but exceed our skills limits.

Probably there is a parable in that… “So, then, brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone move you off the foundation {of your faith}. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless” (1 Corinthians 15:58 God’s Word©)