As we head into this holiday weekend, many of us may take time off to recharge our batteries, so that we may attack our work anew Tuesday morning, refreshed and invigorated. We may also use this time to meditate on the nature of "work" and what it means to us.
Certainly, those of us in professions with a more humanitarian bent do not always reap great financial rewards from our careers, so we may ask ourselves, "Why do I do this work?". And for some of us, the fulfillment must come from other sources besides the income we receive, which has to sustain us through challenging work days and economic downturns, like our current recession.
I cannot think of a better expression of this daily devotion to a vocation with a higher calling than The Monks of New Skete. Not only have they written the best book on dog training I've ever read, it's also a powerful testament to their calling.
Every act of their day, no matter how small, is utilized to hone their ability to connect with something greater than themselves. As they engage the animals in their training, and work with the people who care for them, they are aware that every act can be a expression of faith, a platform with which to share their joy of this life we have all been granted.
Every act of their day, no matter how small, is utilized to hone their ability to connect with something greater than themselves. As they engage the animals in their training, and work with the people who care for them, they are aware that every act can be a expression of faith, a platform with which to share their joy of this life we have all been granted.
It can be awful to try and manage tasks which have great meaning to us while we try our best to fend off the negativity and distractions which surround us in the workplace, especially when it seems directed our way. Know this, you are not suffering for naught. You are performing a labor of love. And that act alone is all the manifestation of spirit required to get the job done.
Be safe, and have a great holiday weekend.
