His Work

A Beautiful Balance

With two extremes between laziness (not working) and workaholism (working like a madman) the obvious hope is to fall in a happy medium. I believe that most men desire vindication and affirmation. It makes them feel valued and respected. Fear causes them to overwork themselves, or to not try at all.

Nathan has a perfect balance. He's smart, intuitive, creative and hard working. He seeks to find the best solution and usually excels. I'm not exaggerating. Seriously, a few months ago he got something that used to take 11hours down to 20 minutes. And his bosses love him, and he was just told that he has a permanent position.

I mean, I miss having him at home on nights when he works late. He's usually gone from 8 a.m. to 6 or 7 pm. And on rare cases as late as 10 pm or even once 2 am. I'm so grateful that he has a good paying job and great bosses and co-workers. And it can be HIGHLY stressful. Clients are demanding, time is of the essence and things have to be working. He deals with it well, his boss loves that he never complains.

Purpose and Fulfillment

The fact that many men are not fulfilled in their work has less to do with what their work is than with whether or not they have a sense of purpose.

Thankfully, Nate loves his job. He's a big fan of the company and we plan to build our underground home near Hudson so he can stay there. In the beginning, it was kind of downing thinking that he was working to advertise, but he enjoys the challenge and the sense of accomplishment he gets from a job well done. I try to praise him as much has his bosses do because I want him to find the same amount of "feel good emotions" with me as he does with his colleges. I also try to praise him for the work he does around our home, he's my hero each time he kills a spider and my strong man each time he opens a jar. I love him so much :)

Prayer

The author talks about how important it is for parents to pray for God's will to be revealed to their children. 

"Their careers may not take off immediately, but they'll have a sense of purpose and direction that propels them in the right direction"

A lot of the aimlessness and frustration could be avoided if we move God for that revelation.  I hope I'm that kind of praying mom :) What if parents didn't pray - well, a wife can.

• Pray for his eyes to be open for what God wants him to do.
• Pray that he's able to follow God's leading. 
• Pray for him to feel encouraged and appreciated.
• Pray for him to see how God has uniquely gifted him and has something good in store.
• Pray for God to reveal and open a door of opportunity which no man can shut.

Even if things are going well from him

• Pray that he's where God wants him to be and everything will continue to go smoothly.
• - The authors husband believes that her prayers keeps him from working with the WRONG clients. 

"While our prayers cannot ensure a trouble-free road for our husbands, they can certainly steer them clear of many problems."

Also, make sure your hubby has times of rest and enjoyment. Things that entertain him and reprieve him from a lifetime of supporting a family. A period of refreshing. 

I pray that Nathan is working for God above all else. (Col 3:23). 

     Jesus, I pray that you bless the work of Nathan's hands. May it bring favor, success and prosperity; Great fulfillment. Reveal to Your will to Nathan so that he can follow Your leading and guidance. Give him strength, faith and a vision for the future. May he never run from work out of fear, selfishness or a desire to avoid responsibility. Help him to work for You alone and strive for Your approval above all else. Help him to be content with a job well done and satisfied enough to not work for more. Help him to excel, but be free of the pressure to do so.

     Help him to bring You into every part of his work. Open doors of opportunity that no man can close. Develop his skills so that he may grow more valuable each passing year. Help him to turn to You in times of loss or fruitlessness and to trust You for our needs. Amen.

May he excel and stand before kings - Prov 22:29