Goodness in the Grind

Are there times your work, your labor, or your tasks are a grind?

I’ve been in “grind territory”: Dirty, thankless, and sweaty. So-so pay. A lousy boss. Long hours with under-appreciation and no overtime. Just plain hard work.

My wife and I sat in a fairly empty buffet venue, enjoying some vacation relaxation on a cruise ship when two crew members moved into the quiet space with smiles, sponges, and mops. The after-lunch crowd made haste to sightsee at an interesting port. That was the cue for the cafeteria crew to clean up the mess. No music played from the overhead speakers, so one of the clean-up team tucked her phone in her pocket and filled in the silence with a song for all of us to hear. She and her friend sang along:

I love You, Lord

For Your mercy never fails me

All my days, I've been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

(Goodness of God lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing)

In the grind and through the grime, working hard, and far away from their homes in the Philippines and South Africa, two sisters in Christ sang of the goodness of God.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).

A psalm became their soundtrack.

They could have highlighted fatigue or loneliness. They could have voiced complaint or grumbling. They could have lamented with bitterness or yearning. Those playlists are commonplace when we’re burdened, tired, overworked, and feeling less than satisfied.

But they sang of the goodness of God. Smiling, scrubbing, helping one another, celebrating faith in the Good Shepherd who pursued them in every moment and promised them life in His eternal dwelling.

The eatery became a sanctuary. The cafeteria became a congregation. Long hours became a liturgy of praise. I was drawn back to God’s grace. I was directed to echo this theme when my work or life become long or thankless. I was reminded of the purpose of Jesus’ Church in the world. And I couldn’t help but sing along.

This is God’s persistent pursuit, isn’t it? Following us all the days of our lives in the manger and on the cross, through Word and water, in bread and wine, from God’s people shining brightly in the world. His Goodness appears in the grind.

I hope you see it and sing it, too.