I work hard. However, I differentiate working hard from working 24/7. I’m prone to the latter; it’s easy for me to work and incredibly difficult to rest. I have to exercise great care and self-discipline so that I don’t fall into workaholism.
It’s a challenge, not only because of my natural tendency but also because of a culture that lauds long hours. Oh, I know there are conversations about working “smart” and the whole work-life balance thing, but they’re in contradiction of some of business leaders’ work ethics. And, I’ve run into plenty of recruiters who make it clear they’re looking for someone who will essentially dedicate their lives to the organization.
I can’t do that, nor do I think I have to. I can work hard without working 24/7; I have examples of people who have produced a great volume of work without losing their lives to it. They might not be the “leaders” of today, but they stand apart in my mind. They remind me that I can be diligent and do good work without becoming a slave to the work, the client, the employer.
The issues to me seem two-fold. First is the goal, and second is the motivation. If either is wrong, I will work 24/7 instead of being a good worker.
The two are intimately connected. While the end may not justify the means, it certainly influences it. For example, if my goal is to become a successful author, i.e., some bestseller list or some such thing, my motivation and means will shift to make it happen. I will focus on me and what’s best for me to the exclusion of everything else. I will try to control outcomes; I will seek people’s approval.
If, however, I focus on something better, I might claim a spot on the list. Then again, I might not, and it won’t matter because I’m aimed toward something else entirely. It fills my vision and animates my head, heart, and hands.
So, the goal. For me, it’s God. He is my beginning, middle, and end. He created me and saved me. He is the one writing the story, not me. If I do anything good or praiseworthy, it’s because of him.
As for the motivation, it springs from love for God, to God—at least it does when I’m not trying to earn his approval or take control of the situation. When I begin to understand, no matter how little, who God is and what he has done, I can’t help but give him praise and make his name known. He is my father, and he loves me. Me! He is the best news ever, and he is why I sign all my published works with my version of a “Soli Deo Gloria” statement.
He’s also why working 24/7 upsets me. It’s wrong. God designed man to rest and even gave a command about it. He knew, before man did, how creation would confuse its identity with what they did rather than on who they were and are. He knew how man, how I, would struggle to rest, so he gave a commandment that would be for my good and his glory.
When I cease from working, I confess my need for him. I admit I don’t have all the answers; I am inadequate; I chase after foolish things; I am in desperate need of help each and every day. The confession stings, but it reminds me of who I am: a daughter of the King. I don’t have to work 24/7 because he will provide for me. He is a good, good father, and, because that’s who he is, I work hard, not as a slave, but as a daughter who wants to make her abba-father proud.
Image: Oliver Stanschus (Creative Commons)