I'm in the midst of a study using God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life as a reference. It is an excellent book. Though the basic premise (explained below) is not new to me, the book expands on it in ways that I hadn't fully considered before.

Thinking of life in terms of vocation uncovers a lot about how God serves us. He gives me my daily bread through farmers, truck drivers, bakers, food scientists, and the person who makes those little plastic sleeves. He could make manna appear in my yard, but He doesn't. He works through other people. He clothes me through factory workers, cotton growers, and sales clerks. He keeps me safe through lawyers, judges, and the police officer who gives me a speeding ticket (not that that happens...). He provides recreation and enjoyment through authors and actors, camera operators and artists.

It also changes the tenor of what I do. Instead of simply doing a job, I'm serving as a mask of God. He uses me serve others in my vocations as a daughter, sister, youth group leader, church member, renter, employee (at least He did when I was employed), and friend. I may go help a friend pack, but really it is God who is preparing her for a move. In this way, everything I do has a hidden spiritual dimension.