On Working

Working can mean many things. We all have specific talents that we use in our work.  A car mechanic works in one way and a ballet dancer in another.  Work gives us purpose and creates the world we live in.  Because of our working we are productive not only with our hands or our minds, but by our creativity and imagination.  Work is much more than collecting a paycheck.  Volunteers are considered workers, and what about the stay at home moms and dads.  We hear mothers say, “Don’t anyone tell me I don’t work.”  The art of work consists of what we think and feel about our work. There is a lot of volunteer work being done and other paid and unpaid work in service to others. We can strive to find a work we love and do it with all our hearts.  In order to work we have to study and learn, acquire skill or knowledge, and cause to come about.  Work is proceeding toward a goal or plan, and working through every problem or task to perform as we expect to perform. The word work is described as something someone does to accomplish a goal.  For example, Michael Phelps, in an interview last night, was talking about doing things he didn’t necessarily want to do in preparation for his races.  The goal of work no matter what we do is to turn it into a mission.  It is doing our present work so well that it will open doors to new opportunities, blessings in disguise. Work with enthusiasm no matter what you do because it will ultimately influence and have an effect upon others. If we are employees, our present work may be fulfilling and we are happy working, or we are miserable and may feel trapped.  Perhaps it is time to look for a new job, or perhaps our unhappiness shows and we are let go.  We can remember “when one door closes, another opens.” There is a healing power in work and being productive can help if we are lonely, frustrated, fearful, worried, discouraged, or defeated. We should try and find to do what we really love, pour our spirit into it, and put the stamp of our unique personality on whatever we do.  It is through our work that we can express ourselves and make contributions to human progress physically and/or mentally.  We have a sense of personal achievement and accomplishment; have meaning and purpose in our lives, and perhaps even leave something of significance behind.  I read somewhere, don’t work for a living, create for a life,” however that very creation is a form of work.