Labor in the Dark

It's easy to get discouraged when all of our work goes unnoticed, or when it feels like nothing we're doing really makes a difference. Imagine Toscanini, squinting down day after day at his music sheet. He spent much of his life at a huge disadvantage — but his biggest liability would ultimately be the key to his success.

Toscanini had a slight advantage — he was a musician, and used to listening for his cue. It's just as important for us. Putting in the time to excel at what we do, even if it feels like we're working in the dark, is what prepares us for when the right time comes.

TRANSCRIPT: Before Arturo Toscanini was one of the world's great musical directors, he was a cellist so nearsighted that he memorized his sheet music. He also memorized the parts for every instrument in the orchestra.

One night when the conductor fell ill, Toscanini alone knew the entire musical score. With no advance notice, the 19-year-old cellist stepped in and conducted the entire opera from memory. He earned a standing ovation and was made permanent conductor. In a single moment, a near-sighted cellist's hard work overcame his own bad eyesight and propelled him into the limelight.

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Don't you dare give up. Working through the darkness prepares us for tomorrow's light . . . in the high calling of our daily work.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

(Rom. 5:3-5)