MAY 5 BALANCE and Work: commitment to work = commitment to faith?

Mark 8: 34-38   

³⁵  “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.”

I agree with Rev. Jason- we are a nation of strivers. 

This is, I think, a cultural “thing”.  Americans have always wanted a better life, and we have held out the promise and the achievement of happiness, success and health.  But this idea of attainment does have its limits.  

The “Mommy Wars” are a good example- women with children have to choose one side of the fence. But do we really need to comment on the choice of which side of the fence?

The media images and perpetuation of success, and the trappings of success are another instance of the “in your face” reward system.  We pay homage to the CEO’s, the professional athletes, the celebrities by way of high salaries and reverence, and then are amazed when the individual proves himself or herself actually human.

But really, as has been said so many times before by writers and commentators and psychologists, will anyone say “I wish I had spent more time at the office” as one of his or her regrets in life?  

I certainly do not have the answers.  When I was working before children, I never thought about “how much was too much”.  Becoming a parent was a choice for us, and we had our share of disappointments and heartache.  There were many moments of wonder, uplifting and satisfaction.  I felt an incessant pull to work- I have an advanced degree and thought I needed to put my brain to good use. 

And now looking back, I did good.  I made the choices that worked for me and my family. I contributed.  I felt the achievement, and I felt satisfied.  Did I know this at the time? Have I gotten rid of the “what ifs?”.  

No. But I feel alright about the world and myself.  I can continue forward.  Now I can give the glory to God for guiding me all these years.  He did not get much from me then- but He knew I would find Him.

“It is what it is”.

“ Do the best you can with what you have got.”

 “Stop and smell the roses, or the coffee …”  

Find your own mantra, or idiom, or saying.  “Let go, and let God.”

I am, a Renewed Christian

Challenge for the week: 

1) What are the consistent commitments to my faith and my family that will keep my work in balance?

2) Calculate how many hours are too many hours?  Look at locale, the level of energy required, the sense of achievement or satisfaction you get from this work.