God,

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off to work I go.

Today, there are things for me to accomplish, tasks to check off the list.

I confess that there are days I feel like Sisyphus, pushing a rock up a hill only to have it roll back down again. Or more appropriately, sometimes I am aware that as a sinner, I live the consequence of that original sin, where God tells Adam that “cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you.” (Genesis 3:17-18)

But today, I choose to put that attitude behind me, claiming my redemption instead as a saint. Instead, I will heed the exhortation of St. Paul, that “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters.” (Colossians 3:23) Some of my efforts today will feel fruitful like I am making a difference. Some of it will feel like busy work. But I present all of it to you as my offering, that thing I do, asking that you receive it as a grateful response to your incredible love and grace given to me.

On this day, I pray simply that I “will become a special instrument, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21) Amen.