September Blog – 2021
“Work for the Night is Coming”
(I can still hear my mother sing this song, and we children sang right along!)
I have no idea if you are familiar with this song, but it has stuck in my mind for seventy years. If you never heard this song, you can go to YouTube and hear the music, but please notice the words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mko0GYtfqCE. I have no complaints about being taught to work hard. It helped me in every job I had, giving 100%+. However, if you noticed in this song, only one time the word “rest” is mentioned. You might think, is that a problem?
What I learned as I got older, it was very hard for me to “rest” or “chill,” as they say, because I felt I had to keep going all day many times without a break. If I had a break and I started reading for fun, I felt guilty. Yes, I know this sounds silly. But when you learn how important it is to work for the night is coming, stick to your job, and not complain, well, I took it to heart.
I read a great quote which reads, “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” – John Lubbock, The Use of Life.
“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.” ― John Lubbock.
John Lubbock’s quotes are refreshing to read. I found for myself, having a balance in life makes life more enjoyable. I still enjoy working, and I enjoy resting, reading, or spending time in nature. Nope, I do not feel guilty. Summer is almost over, September has arrived, and I hope you enjoy the days ahead while you work and rest! 😉
I have finally come to the point where my work is my play, my work is my enjoyment. For many years I did what I had to do to get the bills paid, worked two or three jobs at a time, but now that I’m older and “retired” from the workforce and doing my second careers, with art, beadworking, editorial services and writing and publishing my own books I can say that the balance is there. To work feels good, even when I’m doing menial chores, even when I’m doing creative work. I’d love to see this happening for our youngsters so they don’t have to wait for retirement to begin doing what they love.
Thank you, Jen, for sharing your comments. I agree; enjoying what we do, doesn’t feel like work. You are a great example of living a balanced life joyfully. Your writing and artwork are awesome. I admire your perseverance and results. Bless you, and keep on keeping on! 🙂