Thirty years ago I was wrapping up my junior year in college, preparing to get married that summer, and completing my first year as pastor of my first church. The good folks of Unity Baptist were taking care of their “boy preacher,” but I still needed some extra money for the honeymoon. I was grateful when one of the deacons hired me to work at his sawmill S.I. Storey Lumber Company – paying me the hefty sum of ten dollars an hour, for guaranteed ten-hour work days.
Has anyone ever asked you, “What’s the hardest job you ever worked?” Through the years the saw mill is still my answer. I grew up on a dairy, so I know a thing or two about hard work, but that summer at the saw mill tested me inside and out. We had two 10 minute breaks and one 30 minute lunch, but for the rest of the day it was loading, unloading, stacking, and moving green, heavy slabs of pine.
I worked with an old man called “Pops” who claims he took the job at the saw mill because he was a moonshiner and was now too old to “run from the Feds.” He showed me how to work smart. There was another guy named Doug who lived out of his car when he couldn’t find a friend with a sofa. He kept his ratty car full of books which he would read at break and at lunch. A college buddy, Dale, also worked at the saw mill because he too needed the extra money for his impending marriage. He kept us all laughing with stories and his whimsical musings.
We often complain about work – hard, dull, monotonous, challenging, petty, etc. Meaningful work, however, is good for the body and the soul. I am grateful for that summer job that helped me pay for a honeymoon. Thirty years later we are still on a honeymoon, so it turned out to be a good investment. I am honored at the many pulpits that helped support my family and me through the years. I have interned as a chaplain at nursing homes and hospitals and worked briefly as a CEO for a wonderful non-profit serving the developmentally disabled. Today, along with a loving church that still holds a parking place for me each week, I find great fulfillment serving Mercer University as a Development Officer.
The Preacher in Ecclesiastes writes, “…it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil” (3:13). Paul writes to Colossae, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (3:17).
As of today I am taking on additional work at Mercer, stepping up to serve as the interim dean of the McAfee School of Theology. My dedication and loyalty to this school goes back to when McAfee was just an idea, without a name and without a place. It will be more work and I have no doubt hard work, but all work, related rightly to the Creator, is good work.
I hope you have good work to occupy your mind, heart, body and spirit. It is God’s gift and when work well it is our gift back to God.
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and prosper for us the work of our hands—
O prosper the work of our hands!” (NRSV Psalm 90:17)
Gratefully,
Greg
Congratulations on the new position and a life of finding meaning in your work – wherever you worked. We were not made to be idle. Prayers for Amy tomorrow.
Well said…I was reading a book last night that mentioned the same message!!!! I have always loved every job I have ever had but my hardest and most rewarding job I’ve ever had is the job I’m doing now and it’s my own business!!!! Prayers for Amy tomorrow!!!
I read the Mercer announcement just before I read your blog…..a huge congratulations to you! You will lead McAfee well!
Congrats! Proud to have known you “way back when…” Still proud to know you. You must be doing something right. I think Amy has been “good for you.” 🙂
Congratulations on your new job. I know the Lord will bless you in this position. You always bless us at FBC Monroe with your preaching. Looking forward to being back in church on Sunday after our vacation. Praying for Amy and her surgery tomorrow.
Congratulations, Greg. They picked a good one!
Congratulations, a wise choice on Mercer’s part. You are a great continuation of First Baptist Monroe’s historical relationship with Mercer University.
Congratulations on the new position!! I am thankful you still choose to be a part of FBC Monroe each week! you and Amy are in my thoughts and prayers for tomorrow. Praying all goes well with the surgery and recovery.
Congratulations, Dr DeLoach. Mercer knows a good person when they have one. They couldn’t get a better person. Cindy and I miss hearing you in person, but we view and listen to hour Monroe messages every Sunday. Best wishes and our big “hey” to Amy.
Hello Dr Greg & Amy!
I am pleased to hear of your positions at Mercer, congratulations!! Sure hope they will keep you there for many, many years. I am a TIFT graduate so keep in touch with Mercer. I also have some dear friends who are faculty there.
Amy, I am praying for your back surgery to be successful.
I have been that route so I know what you are going through.
I do miss seeing you both and hearing you Greg at FBC-AUGUSTA. With my love for your friendship!! Beth. (Rhoda’s Mom) (Statesboro)
Thoughts and prayers are with you and Amy during the back surgery days…. it will be a long recovery, but worth every ache and pain along the way . I had back surgery 5 weeks ago and am still being very cautious not to fall So glad that Mercer has found an excellent teacher and servant of God …. miss you at FBC Augusta. Love