Work vs. Rest
Poolside THOUGHTS from outer space
Work to Live or Live to Work; the classic question. Our identity, desires and responsibilities influence the decisions we make and challenge the reason we roll out of bed. In honor of Labor Day, let’s compare the two philosophies while we enjoy a summer day by the pool in San Antonio.
1. Work to Live
The Pros //
Some of the most under appreciated things in life are the basic things. Life has a richness of opportunity for discovery and the preoccupation with your occupation can seriously dilute opportunities. With patience there are stories to hear, sunsets to gaze, roses to smell, and details to dwell on. Making time to connect with people, listen to birds in the trees or smell a thunderstorm–enriches our experience as humans. We should make time to absorb life.
– I refer to “the slope” instead of “the cons” because I don’t what to assign any bad connotations to either approach ... but there is a place at which each of philosophy can take a downward turn; the principle of diminishing returns. Whether in laziness, stubbornness, fear or other factors we can get stuck on a trajectory too long and begin missing the fullness of our purpose and a balanced experience in life. –
The Slope //
Intentionality is important to the “Work to Live” philosophy. Being intentional to balance reflection time with responsibility to our dependents and those we are dependent on. The doldrums of mediocrity and lack of purpose can creep in like the fog of an early morning leaving us with our orientation. Our self worth devalues, resulting in serious health and relationship challenges.“The doldrums” are described as a scenario sailors faced when at sea. In a particular region, the wind would stop propelling a ship and leave it and its crew stagnated, motionless for even weeks at a time. In the book of Genesis, we see that God himself works–therefore we understand there is value and purpose to work.
WORK TO LIVE
This was actually shared to me by my wife. :D (jeffcasterlineproperties / Instagram)
2. Live to Work
The Pros //
The gift of life is entrusted to us. It is a special and fleeting opportunity that we engage with. Everyday is an investment in a “life well-lived.” If we leave this life safeguarded, saving ourselves, have we really lived it? What is the return on investment in the account of “life?” Things are better when work gets added to the account. I’ll use an example my kids an I share: an ice cream on the patio is good, but an “earned” ice cream after hours of hard work in the sun … it’s better! Last night I sat by the pool for 30 minutes. I only heard the sound of the cicadas swirling by. It was my only silence all day and it was a beautiful gift to my soul. So there is the juxtaposition of work to rest that we can appreciate.
As Christ-followers we are expected to be servant leaders to our families and communities; to be good stewards. If there is an opportunity that we can serve, provide, empower or enrich what is around us, God says that “it is good.”
Ticket for working too much from my daughter.
The Slope //
Time flies when you are busy, and our time is the most expensive thing we have. Paying for a lifetime of busyness spent tethered under straps of stress will present its own health and relationship challenges. All stress is not bad, but without relief and recovery was never the intention. When our work becomes our identity, we take on the unnecessary stress of self dependency. Pride, performance or people pleasing issues can keep us from a healthy relationship with work–leading to isolation and control issues.
The point of diminishing returns hits when we find it hard to step away from work. If we just need “one more hour” it can quickly turn into four more hours. Four more hours can turn into four years very quickly. One day my daughter when she was 5 wrote me a ticket and brought it to my office. It was for “working too much!” At 5 years old she recognized this! It stabbed me in the heart.
How do we guard against The Slope? Stop. Reflect. Rest.
LIVE TO WORK
The Day of Rest
Sabbath is a biblical concept of employing a day of rest within a week. God himself even took a day of rest in those first chapters of Genesis at the creation of the world. Was God tired or was he trying to empress upon us something by doing this? Rest gives us these beautiful benefits:
Juxtaposing work and rest helps us appreciate each more
Pausing grants us opportunity for an attitude of gratitude
Reinforces our humanity and our need for recovery
Release, having an open hand acknowledges God and His authority
Refocus, stepping back improves perspective and resets our sights appropriately
Approaching the end of life, I believe we all want to hear the words “well done.” This is to know that our life was well used. May you find this weekend restful and may we all have a fresh perspective on rest and work.
Get outside with your friends and family. Make a splash and enjoy this sunset holiday of summer time.
– Cheers from Outer Space
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