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On a Good Day

 

I love my retirement. But I also found great satisfaction in working and bringing up a family.

The Bible makes it clear that work is important and we should work diligently at all that we do.

I grew up with parents who taught me the value of hard work. So when I was employed, I worked hard for my wages and even went above and beyond if necessary. I have noticed a trend today (and please forgive me for generalising) that some younger people (and some not so young) use working hours to have long chats with co-workers, to take frequent regular vaping breaks, to make private phone calls or texts and to post on face book. There seems to be a culture of just doing enough work to get by in some organisations. Some employers seem OK with this. Are they worried that if employees work an eight hour day they may develop mental health issues? Burnout is of course very real and one needs to be vigilant about that, but working your eight hours a day for eight hours pay is surely the most honest thing to do and of most benefit to the employer. Maybe an attitude of thankfulness for having a job would help, rather than seeing work as the enemy because (sigh) ‘I have to work’. Be grateful for having a job, so many haven’t! Do the best work you can and experience the satisfaction that goes with that. Knowing that you earn your own money rather than relying on a handout can be a wonderful thing.

I am so grateful to live in a country that provides for those who cannot find jobs, who provide for the elderly, the sick, the vulnerable, those with poor mental health. But having worked in a foodbank I have seen taxpayers supporting addictions while families go hungry. I have also experienced many times, an entitlement attitude rather than a grateful spirit for the support available.

So even in retirement we should work diligently as well as have the blessing of having time to do those things that ‘fill our bucket’.

Today I volunteered for a programme, then had lunch with a girlfriend after which I had some shopping to do. I then arrived home to bring washing in off the line and put it away. After I have finished this blog, I will make a cuppa and have a read before getting organised for the evening ahead.

When I say to my husband “I had a good day today”, he replies, “Every day is a good day”.

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