22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23)
Seek out marriage advice for any amount of time and you are almost assured to hear “marriage is hard work“. And while this may be true, it is sort of implied. Just as the sky is blue and the Browns are awful, any relationship with one or more people inside it will indeed require great effort. It is interesting that you typically only hear this sentiment in the context of a marriage relationship. Every relationship tests our resolve and stretches our patience if we are doing them right. The problem is not that we fail to see marriage as work but that we falter in seeing the work required in all relationships as well as the benefits from intentional living. Simply stating something is work offers little support in what is one of the more demanding yet rich relationships this side of heaven.
Many times I cannot wait to get to my laptop or notebook to scribble down some idea I foolishly believe is better than it is. It is almost like the planet has given me some great way of describing life and as a result, it will come pouring out of my fingers with little effort. This never happens. The truth is, writing is laborious and I am rarely content with what comes out. There is a blockage between thought and application. I have found the answer during these times not to stop writing, but to simply write more. Writing is work. Good marriages and writing are stubborn achievements because of the Fall. If you want a scapegoat, blame Adam.
But the beauty of grace is that the heavy lifting is already taken care of. This burdensome toil experienced by all is redeemed into something beautiful as a mingling of the divine with what is truly human. While our control over the outcomes is minimal, we can be assured they work together for some greater narrative. The faith that comes from seeking Jesus above all is purchased by toil and redeemed by grace.
Today, work with purpose.
Matt simon blog 