Last time I discussed the main
stick in our lives, the thing that is more solid than the straw in
our lives, but less important than the bricks and that is our work.
Our work is important and should be done to the best of our
ability. Our work also consumes a lot of our time and is the place
where we spend most of our time (if you take sleeping out of the
equation). Therefore it is a big part of our lives.
But at the end of the day it is not
the most important thing. It shouldn't consume more time than is
necessary. Obviously there would be times when you spend more time
at work, than other times, but when the long hours become the rule
rather than the exception, then it is not healthy. I remember when
I audited a big company here in South Africa, the people working in
accounts joked that they worked such long hours that their own dogs
barked at them and their children called them 'uncle', because they
did not know who they were. They thought it was funny, but I didn't
laugh. I was sad.
Because you know what, your work is
not going to be there for you when disaster strikes. When you are
diagnosed with cancer, will they come and sit with you through each
chemotherapy session? When you are paralyzed in an accident, how
often do you think the people from work will come and visit you
after you have been laid off at work? When you go through a divorce
due to your long hours at work, sure your buddies at work will
think it is just normal and encourage you to go through with it,
but will they be there when you are all alone in an old age home?
When your children want nothing to do with you, because you weren't
there for them, will the work invite you over for Christmas? Will
they really care for you?
I can go on and on, but I am sure
you get the point. No one on their death bed wishes that they spent
more time at work. They long for time wasted not being with their
loved ones.
Work is only a stick. If your house
is solely built out if it, I have bad news my friend. The first big
storm will blow it apart and what do you have left then?
As I said before, work is
important, but it is not the most important thing. You need balance
in your life. Work and do your best, but then leave and go be with
those that matter the most. Work on the bricks in your life and
make sure that you have a house that will not be blown apart in the
first storm that comes your way.
Lord, help us to see what is more
important in our lives. Help us to discern and know where to draw
the line. You know best. Amen