For months I’ve had a dry cough that was on and off. I have always attributed it to allergic rhinitis, which was a diagnosis from many years ago. Allergy medicines always did the trick. Yet for some reason, the past year saw more of my dry cough spells, and allergy medicines took much longer to take effect than they used to. My dry cough would come after I speak during meetings, talks, teaching, and preaching. Sometimes, even while I was in the middle of it.

I finally saw a throat doctor, thinking it may be something else. After asking about the work I do, taking my history, and the occasions when the dry cough would come, Dr. Alonzo tells me the dry cough is caused by both allergy and acid reflux. He asked how many cups of coffee I take every day, and when I said two to three, he laughed and told me, it’s usually double. He then asked a simple question that made a world of difference — “Do you like what you do?” to which I naturally said “Yes!”

He then explains that everything we do comes with stress and there is nothing we can do about that. Thus, we deal with those which we can do something about. He then prescribes medication and tells me, this is one part, the rest is up to you.

I have since then changed my habits and have only been drinking one cup of coffee a day, or decaf on the very few occasions I need a second one. I have consciously stayed away from food high in acid as much as I can. And yes, it has made a difference. My doctor said I am an easy patient to treat. I’m not sure about that. I have always loved coffee, but I also like what I do every single day, and because of that, I have embraced change.

We all have a vocation, a work we get to do every single day. More than liking what we do, it is recognizing that it is a calling that we have. As a calling, we have an obligation to give our best to it, to hone our craft, to keep doing everything we can to get better at it, to be faithful to it. Why? Because ultimately, it is not about us.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23)

What does it mean to work for the Lord and not for men? It is waking up every single day, going to work, and giving our best regardless if it is noticed by the people around us or not. Aiming for excellence despite the limitations of our work environment. It is working to upgrade ourselves, pursuing our personal and professional development, whether there is a prescribed training or not. Why? Because ultimately we are called to do a job for the applause of One.

So do you like what you do? I sure hope so, and that you find the greatest joy in doing it every single day. Have a great week ahead!