From two different sources lately, my attention has been directed to consider what I do and why I do it. As the feminine member of this Owens household I have chosen a poster that I can see whenever I sit down to work at my desk or computer. The poster shows a little kitten on its back straddled with a large dumbbell along with the scriptural admonition: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23.

Then recently a U-tube video was posted showing a Korean choir and orchestra in a 2013 performance of music from our “Paid In Full” musical which we wrote quite a few years ago. It triggered quite a few memories—the plea from a dear missionary friend, the writing process, the miraculous involvement of a Korean poet/musician who “just happened” to be in the country and did the translation, the trip to S. Korea, the wonderful Korean choir, etc.

All of these memories pointed me to another section of scripture, the 11th chapter of Ecclesiastes. Verse one says “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” The recently posted video certainly underlined that truth to me. Verse six admonishes “Sow your seed in the morning, and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.”

I know that I am no longer in “the morning” season of my years, but that verse is a reminder to me that as long as I have opportunity for sowing that my efforts should not cease. God is so gracious to give the occasional view of some of the fruits of the sowing efforts of his children. He encourages me—and I trust that He will encourage you—by this promise: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor 15:58.

So, my job is first of all to “abide” in Him, the true Vine, the One who is the fruit producer (John 15: 1-8); and then, whatever I do, to work at it with all my heart, as working for my Lord, not for men.

–by Patricia