The Beauty of Work {Day 14}

“There are two kinds of people….workers and whiners.” Bob Gillgrist

My father in law has lots of axioms. I first heard this one when Rob and I were dating, and I have to tell you, I was a bit concerned. Because I didn’t know if I would be called a ‘worker‘. And I didn’t like the alternative.

I probably should clarify. In some regards, I am a worker. I have my MBA and worked very hard for that. I write and work very hard at that. I am a mother…and well, I don’t need to say more. But I’m not a ‘salt of the earth, hard laboring’ worker. When I have free time, I’m more likely to read or journal, than jump into a hands on project.

I have friends who have trouble being still. It is hard for them. They want to do something. Not me. Nope. No problem at all sitting, reflecting, wondering. (Come to think of it, I have lots of friends who are workers….we must be drawn to each other. I help them be still. They help me take initiative.)

But over time, I have come to an appreciation of hands on work. This past weekend it struck me in a new way. My husband and I spent a lot of time on Saturday doing around the house projects. Cleaning out gutters, cleaning out closets. At the end of the day, I felt content, accomplished. My heart was peaceful.

The work exercised a muscle in my soul that doesn’t always get attention. A muscle that creates purpose. One that brings order out of chaos. One that feels closest to fulfilling God’s command to ‘subdue the earth’.

Work often does not look beautiful. It is coal mines and gutters. Long hours at an office and relearning second grade math.

As I reflected on the weekend here are some of my thoughts on seeing beauty in work:

Beauty in knowing we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

Beauty that draws forth gratitude and pleasure, and keeps whining at bay.

Beauty that reminds us we have purpose and ability.

Beauty in finding our character and what we can accomplish.

Beauty in the form of a creative outlet.

Beauty in putting someone else before ourselves.

Beauty in seeing what grows and blooms and flourishes because of our work.

Beauty in work that doesn’t have to be drudgery, but can be filled with love.

Early in our marriage, I read lots of books about gardening. Lots of them. For months. Before ever starting a garden. Which led Rob to wondering if I liked reaing about things more than doing the thing. So of course, I can’t miss saying…there is beauty in writing about the beauty of work. And for me that counts for a lot.

“We often miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”  Thomas Edison

May I see the beauty of the overalls.

I am participating in The Nester’s 31 Days of Series. Click right here to see all the amazing topics!  I am writing on 31 Beauty Full Days.  You can read the intro post here.  And you can also always click on the button on the sidebar to see all posts in the series.

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