Life’s Work

It is easy for us to think in terms of finding the balance between our work and the rest of our lives.

We want to use our time well. We do not want to waste a minute, or miss a moment. We believe that every day is important, and we want to fill them with actions worthy of that importance.

We are certain there is meaning hidden deep in the crevices of our lives. We want to squeeze it out so we do not miss a drop.

We are convinced that the significance of our lives comes from what we do. Each day is a list of things that must be done. We earn our rest by checking everything off our list. There will be a new list tomorrow.

It surprises us, when we pause to reflect, that so little of what we do really matters. When we are in the midst of our daily lives, in the middle of that list, everything seems so important. We are in a hurry to finish the list, to earn our reward.

When I remember the work I have done, it is seldom about actions that have filled my days. I have made serious sacrifices to implement plans and meet objectives, and I could not tell you what a single goal was.

What I remember is the people with whom I have worked. Some have brought out hidden skills that I did not know I had. Some have encouraged me, some have challenged me.

They fit together like one of those stone walls built with gravity.

My life’s work is built by placing one stone on top of the last, stretching back and reaching up.

What is your life’s work?

Where are the hidden depths of meaning for you today?

[Image by ladyb]