THE VIRTUES OF WORK

In today's fast-paced world, the virtues of work and service often get overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily routines. This relentless pace, driven by intellect and societal demands, frequently sets goals that contradict the values we should aspire to uphold. It often presents sham as gold, sets unreasonable targets, and turns work into a race that sacrifices ethics, balance, and even health. Yet, work, when approached with the right attitude and of the right kind, is not merely a means to an end but a path to personal and communal enrichment.

Work enables us to contribute to society, find purpose, and develop our skills, talents, and spiritual gifts. As Lord Tennyson aptly put it, "To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use! As though to breathe were life!" These lines capture Ulysses' frustration with his stagnant life as king of Ithaca, where he feels confined to merely preside over a community he views with disdain for their idle complacency. This sentiment reminds us that it is through active engagement and dedication that we truly shine. By immersing ourselves in meaningful work, we polish our abilities and fulfill our potential.

While the hours may be long and the rewards sometimes fleeting, the sense of accomplishment and the positive impact we make are invaluable. Work helps us build resilience, foster relationships, and leave a legacy that extends beyond our time. It is through service to others that we find our deepest sense of purpose and fulfillment. All we need to do is ensure that the work we engage in is joyful, helps humanity, and aids us in our spiritual ascent.

Life on earth is a short cycle of learning, but it is through meaningful work and service that we live it fully. Let us embrace our roles, not as chains of obligation, but as opportunities to shine and make a difference. By dedicating our work to the Most High, we transform mundane tasks into acts of devotion, purpose and honest service.

In the end, the true value of work lies not in the hours spent or the accolades received, but in the growth, fulfillment, and positive change it brings to us as individuals and to those who interact with us. Let us approach our work with the mindset of service and gratitude, recognizing it as an opportunity to contribute to the greater good and to our own spiritual journey.