Sweet Work
Words to carry you from a Labor Day of Rest into a Short Week of Work
What if even the most ordinary tasks could become sweet work when offered to God?
One of my favorite movies growing up was the 1964 Disney musical Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Disney. I have watched the original movie more times than I would like to admit. In 2018, I stepped into the theater with a bit of skepticism in my heart to watch Mary Poppins Returns. Yet as the film began, I quickly fell in love with the story all over again.
In the original, there is a memorable scene about work. Upon arriving at the Banks’ home, Mary Poppins agrees to a one-month trial as nanny. She proceeds upstairs to meet the children, Jane and Michael, by sliding up the banister. After introductions, the first suggested task is to tidy the nursery. The children’s natural response is one of complaints and dread. But Mary Poppins is not deterred. As toys fly across the room to their proper places, she sings A Spoonful of Sugar. Through her song, she shows the children that even ordinary work can be transformed into something joyful.
Similar to Mary Poppins, Paul helps us view work from a different perspective as he writes to the church in Colossae. The Amplified version of Scripture expands the concept of work in Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.
Paul defines work in the broad sense of any task that we complete. Work includes tasks at a job, at home, at school, or in the community. This wide lens toward work allows us to see that anything we do, from calling a friend to making a sales call, is considered work.
Paul desires to weave new meaning into our work. Whatever work we do, we are to put our whole self into the task. We begin each task with a willing and grateful spirit. We move through the task with the full presence of soul and skill. Finally, we complete the task with our whole heart for the Lord. When we work in this way, we put forth our best effort, which leads to a job well done. The value of each completed task is not for the eyes of humans but for the glory of God alone.
Listen to an adult share about his career as the job description unfolds in story after story. When a person is passionate about their work, it may seem as if the floodgates open and it is difficult to insert a word into the rushing waters. These strong waters are not filled with complaints or negativity, but with excitement about making a positive impact upon employees and customers throughout the workplace. When our best work is done, the world says, “Thank you.”
There are many tasks that are difficult to begin. We may be tempted to hand off challenging work to a friend or colleague. But remember, you are not doing this work for yourself, nor for a teacher, parent, or boss. You are doing this work with and for your Creator. God will provide the help you need. You are not alone.
Consider the task that remains on your to-do list from last week, or the task that has been nagging at you since last summer. Paul’s reminder in Colossians 3:23 encourages us to begin the work we have been postponing and perhaps even discover joy in it along the way. As we labor for God’s glory, we find that hard work shapes us in both small and big ways. We grow on the inside, and our confidence strengthens on the outside. Perhaps one day we might find ourselves whistling while we work, enjoying each task like a spoonful of sugar.
Reflective Exercise
Play your favorite game with your family or a close friend. While playing, talk together about which game best describes your current work. Does it feel like the Memory Game, where you try to match volunteers with their time, resources, or skills? Or perhaps Connect Four, with tasks that require both math skills and strategy? Once you have identified the game that reflects your work, pray about how difficult tasks can be transformed into sweet work for the glory of God.
Are you called to mission work?
If so, join Dave Thalman and me as we lead the Shenandoah Presbytery’s Western North Carolina Mission Trip, October 26 – November 1, 2025.
Our 20-person mission team will be hosted by Canton Presbyterian Church, where lodging, meals, and fellowship will be shared throughout the week. The cost for the trip with lodging, food, and transportation will be determined at our Committee on Mission and Outreach’s September 7 meeting.
Volunteers will stay at Canton Presbyterian Church, which provides mattresses, kitchen facilities, and showers. The church can accommodate up to 20 workers, ages 16 and older. (Youth under 18 must be accompanied overnight by a parent or guardian.)
The mission week begins with orientation and work assignments from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and United Methodist Committee on Relief partners.
The scope of work will be shared a week before the trip, but past projects have included:
Drywall installation
Gutting and repairing homes
Painting and deck repair
Preparing campers for cold weather
Even a year after the devastating floods, many residents of Canton are still living in temporary housing, and your service will make a tangible difference in their lives.
If you’re ready to serve, please contact me with any questions or simply to sign up; aprilhcranford@gmail.com. Please share this opportunity with your churches. We look forward to being the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors in North Carolina.
Support next year’s Baja Mission Trip (July 12–18, 2026) by ordering beautiful mums!
💐 Pre-order now for September delivery.
🎨 We’ll do our best to honor color requests, but often the most vibrant blooms are a delightful surprise!
⛪ Share the fundraiser with your churches, and we can arrange delivery to them too.
📩 Contact me at aprilhcranford@gmail.com to place your order today.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Baja Mission, a mission started in 2000 to build homes and relationships in Mexico for the glory of God.
Serve and Love Well,
Rev. April H. Cranford
