Not Have To, But I Get To

 

Its thickness

   was a handbreadth,

and its brim was made

like the brim of a cup,

like the flower of a lily.

          1 Kings 7. 26

(Not just doing the work

         before us,

but going that extra mile,

adding something more to it

-- the "I didn't have to,"

    but "I get to" details.

Pursuing that little bit more

   to bring order out of chaos,

   and beauty to the practical.

Not just doing a job,

     but bringing glory to God,

   in which there is

                no ordinary work.

Not just getting it done,

  but putting our heart in it.

Not just filling a crack,

  but transforming the broken.)

O LORD,

You place opportunities before us

       every day to bring You glory.

Help us to see

        not just tasks to complete,

    but as a way to worship You.

Empower us to bring beauty

          and Your strength to it

   to encourage others

   and point them to You.

Even if no one seems to notice

    our extra efforts,

You redeem in some way

        or a million.