Jesus is my Co-Worker

Compartmentalization is a go-to coping strategy for me, one that I’m working to replace with healthier habits. In my moments of weakness, compartmentalizing can be as unhealthy as temporary fixes like over-eating or over-exercising. It only results in disintegration, fragmentation, and more pain.

The first time I discussed this with my Spiritual Director, she asked “Where do you see God’s presence in your work?”

I laughed and told her God cares more about my volunteering and the ways I use my gifts to serve my neighbors. So long as I’m acting with integrity and honesty in my professional life, I’m off the hook. God doesn’t care about my money gig.

Such a smug statement. And completely incorrect.

My Spiritual Director helped me understand the ways in which God cares about our lives in their entirety. By practicing Spiritual Integration, I’ve learned to recognize there are no components of our lives that are not wholly immersed in God, including and especially the work we do. I’ve come to think about Jesus as a co-worker, seated next to me and caring deeply about everything I do.

The question has become, how does having Jesus beside me change the work I do?

I’ve found in my time at The Divine Office that matching my work with prayer provides a sense of peace amidst the ups and downs of my working life. Jesus weeps with me in moments of failure and celebrates the successes alongside me. With Jesus by my side, I know I never have to work alone.

I have plenty to be grateful for in my life, but I count myself to blessed to consider Jesus my co-worker.

-- Deborah Kaufman, a Divine Office Founding member