Edina Hall
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
My work life is really awful.
My beloved boss was fired three months ago and the response from my co-workers was swift. Within weeks, over 80% of them found new jobs. Friends (and enemies) with whom I have worked for decades have cleared out their belongings from their lockers. I have mourned dozens of times as they leave, knowing that I may not see them again. I wept while writing a letter of recommendation for one of my closest colleagues. It has been a very hard last few months.
“If it’s so bad, Edina, why haven’t you left, too?”
Early on it was apparent that amidst all this change there has been a clear “peace that passes all understanding” keeping me at work. To use the words of Paul from today’s readings, I am trying to be faithful and grounded in God in this chaos.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.”
—Philippians 4:4-9
Keeping whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious or worthy of praise on the forefront hasn’t been easy in the storm at work.
To help me, I have found myself saying either the Lord’s Prayer or reciting our baptismal vows before I enter the building to invite the peace of God into my day. There are also A LOT of quick prayers and “I will with God’s help” throughout the day.
I don’t know where my work life is headed. This passage reminds me, however, that no matter what does lie ahead, with God I can—even as the storm rages—find joy and peace grounded in my faith.
—Edina
