Most of the aerial images of human activity I have seen involve some type of destruction of the natural environment, and they are meant to elicit feelings of disgust and anger at humanity's disregard for our world.
I think that often reflects the way we feel about human work in general. It is something that has a negative impact on the world, and the people around that area.
This, however, is only a part of the story. I believe that human work is part of what God has called us to do, and is a way we can have a positive impact on the people and places around us. We are called to show what this world will be like when it is fully renewed when Jesus returns.
Again, I admit that often the image I have of a fully restored world does not include evidence of human work. The picture I have is one of pristine, untouched wilderness.
But then I ran across some images of terraced rice fields in China. Images like this:
This has got to be one of the most stunning examples of human work benefiting and maybe even heightening the visual appeal of a natural area.
Downright stunning.
It made me want to work there and so got me thinking, what can I do to make my workspace more appealing? What can I do to make it a joy to work where I do, at what I do?
Maybe you are not able to cultivate a hillside into terraces and fill it with multicoloured crops, but I am certain there are things that you could do to make your work place, home, or school, more enjoyable.
Our work is a great opportunity to add something to this world. To contribute to the overall beauty and harmony of a world broken by sin. As Christians it is in our work as much as in our worship that we participate with God in renewing the creation.
Better put, we engage in worship of God in work done well, just as much as in singing praise to him