Reflection On Sunday

The Pope is correct: one should not work too hard:

"We have to guard ourselves, the saint observed, from the dangers of excessive activity, regardless of the office one holds, because too many concerns can often lead to hardness of heart," the pope said.

I can recall being told some years ago by an older supervisor: "Don't kill yourself for this job, son; when you go to the gates of St. Peter the first thing you won't say: 'Gosh, I wish I'd worked harder at my job.' "

Where does your job fit in with your overall scheme of life?

I find that, as the years wear on, work means much less to me than it did at the beginning of my career. We all change with age and our Life priorities become rearranged; I submit that is only normal for the course.

I was always the first one to work overtime, to volunteer for tasks, to take the special assignement. Because I live in the snow I spent many thousands of dollars more for special vehicles able to vanquish the snow, specifically so I could come to work. I always had to have the biggest 4X4 Ford F-150 pickup, the 4X4 Isuzu Trooper, the 4X4 Tracker, the AWD Subaru.

Now, my next vehicle will likely be a Honda Civic or Accord EX, optioned-out, with automatic. If I get stuck in the snow and can't come to work, oh well. So be it. That'll be more reading I'll get done, perhaps another blog post if I still have electricity, more time watching the miracle of nature in the myriad flakes of snow.

My priorities have changed and work, I freely admit, is no longer a priority for me. I doubt any of my superiors read my blog but if they do, oh well. You are no longer a priority. I got over it; you will too some day (if, silently, you haven't already placed your mind in that frame).

My family is now my priority. My fiance is my priority. My ailing father is my priority. Being with family and experiencing adventures with my fiance is my priority.

I'm within ten years of retirement. I'm over 50 and many of my perspectives have changed. Some have simply become stronger and more concrete: my feelings about right and wrong, my interest in politics. My interest in the survival of my country and our way of life.

Work is fleeting; that you perhaps have a fulfilling job, well, that is good. But likely, at St. Peter's gate you'll instead be saying: "I wish I'd spent more time with my wife, my husband, my children, my family. I wish I'd taken that trip to _____. I wish I'd told my wife or husband just how much they mean to me and how much I love them."

Pope Benedict is correct.

BZ