Work, work
and work. Yes, all we want is work and a day with 24 hours seems to be too
short. No sooner we realize the dawn and begin putting our hands in multiple
tasks the day is gone and it’s already bed time. We get so much immersed in the
activities that we forget the very purpose of work itself. Most of us overload ourselves with so many unnecessary
activities that at the end of the day we neither find satisfaction in work nor
find meaning in life. When such situations arise we begin to question about the
purposefulness of life. However, there are some who never question anything in
life. They work like robots. They are workaholics. Such types of people are
neither creative nor enjoy the dynamism of life because they do not have time
to consider new ventures or observe surprises. They are so caught up in their
work that they have no time to think anything other than the work they do.
Hence, if people want to be more creative and enthusiastic in life they need to
distance themselves from the work they do. Distancing from the work place gives
a fresh vision to the existing work and adds new inputs in the work and also
renews the zest for work life.
We strain and
stress ourselves unnecessarily. We want to accomplish all the works possible.
Our urge to work becomes much more when the task is entrusted to us. We get
enthused with burning desire to complete the task. For instance, let us
consider the life of a missionary. He strongly feels deep within the missionary
mandate given by Lord Jesus and he leaves no stones unturned in fulfilling the
mandate. He totally immersed himself in the tasks trying to do all the good
possible for the people entrusted to his care. Working tirelessly for months
and years without any breaks, the missionary gets drowned in the river of
works. He carries on the very same work and in the same way as he began it. He
preaches the very same sermon and in the very same manner which does not make
any impact in the lives of the people he is working for. Yet, he believes that
he is very busy and that he has no time to take a leave for a few days to pray
and reflect. He would even justify himself saying that he shall rest in heaven.
No doubt working is good but getting lost in achieving the quantity of work and
losing the sight of the quality of work is not what Lord Jesus would want. For
Jesus himself would say to his disciple when they returned from the missions “…
lets go off into the remote place…” (Mk 6: 30-34).
Distancing
from work temporarily is not a waste of time but it gives fresh vision and
clarity to ongoing works. Distancing from works widen ones horizons, help to
see reality in a new way. Temporarily dwelling in different atmosphere,
confronting different realities, and meeting people with different life styles
opens up closed mentality and gives new perspectives to work life. Distancing
from work helps to look work in a new way because distancing gives the bird eye
view to evaluate the work. Distancing also rejuvenates with innovative ideas
and gives fresh energy to delve into the mission. Distancing is important for
it gives one the opportunity to sharpen the saw rather than struggling hard
with blunt saw to accomplish the task. Distancing helps to view things
differently and makes one more intelligent and smart as well.
Hence, I
would say that taking a leave for sometime from the work is necessary for it
adds new colours to life and work. In this connection I would say that the
weekend is the most beneficial part of the week because it gives the
opportunity to refocus the priority of life which otherwise is forgotten due to
commercial works. Children are the jewels of parents but often they are
forgotten by their parents due to heavy load of work. However, the weekend
gives them opportunity to consider and redirect their life. Similarly, all
human beings must take a break from the task they do for it gives freshness to
life and everything around life.
Romanius Barwa
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