Cure for the Common Life (by Max Lucado)

I just finished Cure for the Common Life last week. This book is classic Max and I enjoyed every minute of it. Short summary: Max examines how, when our God--given gifts work in conjunction with our God-ordained purpose, we operate in our "sweet spot" - a place far too many of us have never been.

I'm glad I limited my Fall Reading Challenge list, as I'm not tempted to rush into another book but rather (for once) am lingering in the study guide questions provided at the end of the book.

Last night, these questions hit me in the face:

Who is the master of your house? and Do you view your work as a kingdom work? In the chapter related to these questions, Max explores the parable of the talents, and in particular, how the servant who hid his one talent viewed his master. When the master metes out his punishment, he repeats that servant's own words, with the exception of one phrase "thou art a hard man." Max notes that this phrase, although it was the servant's perception of his master, was untrue and therefore not accepted by the master.

This brought to mind my own job, and in particular, how I view my boss. My current boss was a personal friend before becoming a manager. I trust her integrity and feel like I'm working harder than I have in years, in order to make her look good and out of gratitude for the good leadership she provides our group. Quite a refreshing difference from a previous situation where the mere sight of an email from my manager could send me spiralling into a bad day and that was before I'd even read it. 'Nuff said.

After reading Max's book though, I thought about how I relate to God as the One I serve. I know that a proper response to his love and care for me is to serve him eagerly and with joy, not as a "hard taskmaster" but out of love and a desire to please him. I believe the key lies not in focusing on my work but on the Master.

I might have to buy this book if I plan to get through all the questions. Then again the name being "unfinished work," perhaps I should just renew it from the library for another three weeks! If you're seeking to clarify your God-given purpose or struggling with a less than desirable work situation, I highly recommend Cure for the Common Life.
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Dianne