By Ann Farabee

Get to work!

It was 1972. I had just graduated from high school and had been offered summer employment at Cannon Mills. I would be a twister in #7 Spin. I was ecstatic!

The fact that it was 3rd shift did not deter me. I was going to be earning a ton of money that summer – or at least it felt that way.

Shortly before the 11pm mill whistle would blow, I would find a parking spot, take a deep breath, and head in through the guarded gate that would soon shut behind me.

For five nights a week, I would remain there until 7am. My days were short. My nights were long. Summer break was definitely not a break. The twister room ‘loomed’ large with row after row of huge, loud machines. The sound was deafening, but it was muffled by my required earplugs.

For the entire 8 hours, I focused on my work, although I knew the rest of Kannapolis, NC was sleeping. My role was to tie up threads that broke and to replace spools that needed to be replaced. I loved the challenge of walking up and down the rows, keeping my machines running at 100% efficiency.

As daylight arrived, the mill whistle would blow again and I would walk out through that same gate, happily passing by those who were heading into work to begin their shift. I knew it was time for me to rest.

It was one of my most eye-opening and meaningful life experiences.

Little did I know it was also a foreshadowing of the rest of my lifeI

During college, the jobs changed, but I still worked. Flipping burgers at the Snack Shack, cashier at Rose’s, a waitress at the Pizza Inn, and as an employee who knew how to do it all at McDonald’s.

Then, one day, I graduated from college and began my teaching career.

The next 40 years sure did fly by.

Work – whether for a salary or not – is a beautiful thing.

Should we work? Did God work?

Of course! God created all things! That was definitely work! 

But remember this – on the seventh day – he rested.

What does the Bible say about work?

*Genesis 2:15 tells us that God created man, put him in the garden of Eden, and told him to work.

*2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 tells us that if we are not willing to work, neither should we eat. It also tells us that we are to work quietly and earn our own living.

*Colossians 3:23 says that we need to work heartily, as for the Lord.

To work heartily means to work zealously, sincerely, earnestly, cordially, and warmly.

Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful way to approach work?

And – since we are doing it as unto the Lord – that makes God our boss.

Our work is of God.

It is a privilege, an honor, and a blessing.

So – keep working – because work is worth it!