Taking Joy in Hard Work

Some people do not like to do hard work. They just want to party, even if their version of party means only sitting down with a book and a cup of tea. They will avoid hard work at all costs, sneak around it and cheat out of it.

Others have willed themselves to do hard work because it is required. They make a big deal to themselves and others about how hard the work is and how little they like it. They have a grumpy sort of pride in their discipline, but nothing approaching joy.

Still others manage to do hard work and enjoy it. Without bitterness that it must be done, without a sense of unfairness (though it sometimes is), without dullness or sullenness, and even without self-righteousness. They tackle their work as a routine, with a prayerful, thankful simplicity. It does not ruin their day nor does it make them feel better than others. They just do it with dignity and happiness and move along.

I am each of these at different times. You probably are too. It’s amazing how much better life is when I’m the third, but how hard it is to zoom out and remember that when the first is tempting me or the second is welling up.