Chapter Faith in the Workplace

Living out faith principles in professional settings

Dear Friend,

Have you ever thought of your workplace as a garden? Not a literal one, of course, with flowers and vegetables, but a space where things grow, both literally and metaphorically. Like a garden, the workplace requires careful tending. We plant ideas, cultivate relationships, nurture projects, and watch them sprout, flourish, or sometimes, wither.

Perhaps this is why I find myself drawn to the image of faith as a seed. It's a small thing, fragile, easily overlooked, yet it holds within it the potential for immense growth and change. Just as a gardener nurtures a seed with water, sunlight, and good soil, so too do we nurture our faith with prayer, scripture, community, and the quiet moments of reflection.

And just as a gardener knows that different seeds thrive in different environments, our faith finds expression in different ways within the workplace. Perhaps for some, it's the quiet act of integrity, a commitment to doing the right thing even when no one is watching. For others, it might be the act of compassion, extending a helping hand to a colleague in need. For others still, it might be the boldness to speak truth to power, even when it's uncomfortable.

Yet, the workplace can also be a challenging environment for faith. We are bombarded by competing values, pressured to conform to certain norms, and often caught in the midst of power struggles. Just as a garden can be choked by weeds, our faith can be stifled by cynicism, competition, and a relentless pursuit of success.

But here's the thing, friend: Even in the most challenging of environments, faith can be a source of strength and resilience. It can remind us that our work is not just about ourselves, but about something larger than ourselves. It can give us the courage to stand up for what we believe in, even when it's difficult. And it can remind us that even in the midst of chaos, there is a God who loves us, who is with us, and who is working all things for good.

So, consider this, dear friend: What seeds of faith are you planting in your workplace? How are you nurturing them? And what kind of garden are you cultivating?

May your journey be filled with growth, both personal and professional.

With warmth,

A fellow traveler