Day 10 – Living Boldly: You Don’t Get Time Off

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The rest of your life does not come with summers off. In school, you get days off—snow days, holiday breaks, and long summer vacations. Many kids complain the summers need to be longer and school is too hard. But once they step into adulthood, the rhythm changes. There are no built-in summers off, and life becomes a long, steady mundane journey—one that ends only when you drop dead and step into eternity. This perspective might not sound very encouraging, but it’s actually an opportunity to rethink your mindset about work, rest, and the purpose of your life.

Rick’s 31-Day Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

The Trap of Weekend Chasing

If you complain about school being too long, too hard, or too boring, you might be tempted to carry that same bad attitude into adulthood. Habits are patterns, and bad habits are like walking around with concrete shoes. Adults who dread their work often find themselves pining for the next weekend, living for two short days of unsatisfying rest while the remainder of their week feels like a slog. This cyclic pattern is as unfulfilling as it sounds, debilitating to their growth and complicating for their relationships.

Resting is good and proper, but it should always be something other than the highlight of your week. Instead, think about how you can approach work with purpose and joy, knowing that God has called you to live for His glory. Don’t let school or a transitional job put you into the trap of living for the weekend. Find rest in your work, which might mean spending time at your school or mundane career on activities that transform lives—yours and others?

Your Value in God’s Kingdom

Don’t think Christianity is something you graduate into when you become an adult. God’s call on your life begins now. You are just as valuable in His kingdom as any adult with a full-time job (1 Timothy 4:12).

What is your purpose? How has God gifted you? How can you use those gifts today to serve Him and others? Life with God isn’t something you put off until you’re older; it’s a journey that begins now. Align your heart with God’s plans, not the cultural expectations for young people.

Using Your Time Wisely

Even your breaks, like summer vacation, should be opportunities to prepare for the future. How can you use those times to grow, learn, and serve? Consider asking trusted adults in your life for advice about how to integrate work and rest in a way that glorifies God.

Time to Reflect

1. Are you fun-centered or work-centered? When you have free time, do you focus more on serving yourself or others?
2. What is one specific and practical way you can change your perspective on work and fun? For example, could you set aside time each week to serve in your church, volunteer, or develop a skill that benefits others?
3. Take time today to evaluate your priorities. Pray and ask God to help you align your heart with His purpose for your life. A fulfilling life isn’t found in chasing fun or escaping work; it’s found in working hard for the Lord and finding joy in serving others.

Let’s live boldly, seeing each day as an opportunity to glorify God, no matter the task.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).