Traveling to other countries broadens a person's world view.

It was in my travels throughout Europe that I gained a life perspective that solidified a practice in my Christian faith which I hold to today.

The Bible teaches us that the work that we have been given should be done "as if we were working for God."

It was in the magnificent Cathedral of St. Paul's, London, England, that our tour guide brought this to my attention.

As we found ourselves walking in the basement crypt, amongst some of the relics of the past, he commented on a piece of furniture that was intricately handcrafted, and as a work of art it was inspiring. Then he directed my observations to the backside of the furniture.

"Did you notice anything" he said.

Yes, I had noticed that the back side also had similar carvings. That afternoon I learned that the craftsman had carved the entire piece of furniture knowing full well that the back side would go up against the wall.

He created it that way because in his mind "even though we can't see all the sides, God can."

Later I would travel to the Sistine Chapel in Italy.

Although I was surprisingly unimpressed with its "barn-like" size, the paintings on the walls and ceilings were outstanding.

Again I would learn that there are ledges in the chapel that onlookers can't see.

You would think that Michelangelo would have taken a wide brush and be done with it.

No so.

He continued with consistent intricacy and detail throughout.

Since then I have humorously labeled this God awareness "The Michelangelo factor."

Whether it's the development of a curriculum for young adults or the craftsmanship of construction . . . there are always times in my present employment one could easily say, "no one will see this."

That is when "Michelangelo" shows up on my shoulder.

Even though I have had many employers and clients along life's journey, at the end of the day, I really only have one boss who is actually interested in the attitudinal integrity of a day's worth of work.

That's God.

And I find that very practical. Through employment, unemployment, success and failure, I have charted many work experiences and yet I believe it is the Lord who has an interest with eternity in mind.

It's not really just about the job description or task at hand. It's about my attitude and how I apply that to my craft.

Tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. I will not put my trust and/or motivation in the economy, an organization, or a person.

No, I will show up to work, "paintbrush" in hand, and begin painting for God.

After a good day's work I will simply stand back at the canvas, look deep in my heart and ask God, "So what do you think?"

Although I will pick up my paycheque at the end of the month, just as I know Michelangelo did, it's great to know that my employment efforts have eternity attached to them because of who I consider to be my ultimate employer.

And who knows, maybe something I touch or influence will have a motivational impact on someone else.

- John Thoutenhoofd is a young adult chaplain at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford.