A reflection on work


A REFLECTION ON WORK

Mario D’Couto


 

         Work, to put it very technically, is defined as the push and pull of an object. It is a universal phenomenon that all of us in one way or another are involved in. So with that being said, it could be any mundane activity and not necessarily a complicated or sophisticated task in an office or wherever that might be. Yet, given our gift of rationality, the unique thing about us humans is that our work can be a source for greater fulfillment. What do I mean by this?




Let me begin by asking a question, “What is it that distinguishes us from animals?” We work, earn and use the money to buy the things we want (depending on our budget of course) and this has been a common observation in most people. But is it so different in the case of an animal who either looks for food or hunts for food, which is something that happens on a regular basis? Maybe! While there are quite a few reasons where we could say that we are indeed different, the point that I am driving at is that our work can be a source to serve and help our
aesthetic, psychological and emotional dimensions move to a higher level. So rather than just going through the flow of “eat, sleep, work and repeat” our work can actually take us to great heights if viewed and done with the proper mindset and motivation. Animals live by instinct; we don’t! It is for this reason that, in a sense, we can infer that we are all co – creators in God’s Kingdom for we give glory to God though our work. While there are many examples that can be given, just to cite a few, a person can give praise to God through art, or he/she can give praise to Him through music or even in sweeping the street because in serving others, you are serving God. Money is a by – product. It’s just a medium of exchange and while money has its place, it would be better to think of work as a way of bringing value to someone else’s life than just about the money.


A lot of people tend to suffer from a burnout today, working extra hours, trying to make an extra buck or just trying to meet deadlines. Whatever the reason it may be, the important thing, I suppose in my humble opinion, is to find out why you do what you do. Asking such a question helps put things in perspective of what you are doing in your life and when one has that perspective in life, life then becomes more meaningful and not just a drag. We are all stewards in God’s Kingdom and the work that we do, if viewed in the right way can be a means not only to glorify Him but also to act and be more responsible in the things that we do.

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