by Rev. Amari Magdalena, M.Div.
As we celebrate Labor Day in the United States, I am pondering this word, labor. Dictionary definitions of the word labor are: “work, especially hard physical work; the process of childbirth; work hard; make great effort; etc. I am struck by the word in here ‘hard.’” Is it perhaps from a perspective of consciousness that conveys that work, is in and of itself, a struggle?
I do understand that there have been times where work was indeed a struggle and many laborers suffered indignities, exploitation and harsh conditions which were completely lacking in fairness. It goes on to this day, of that I am aware.
Having delivered three children, I can also appreciate the huge effort it takes to bring a healthy child into the world. For many that involves horrendous pain along with the energy necessary to see it through. We have even made that process more challenging.
That said, I am still struck by the fact that we have a pervasive belief that labels the word work negatively. It is often thought to be something we have to do to survive. Perhaps a large majority of people here feel exactly that way and trust me, on many levels I can relate. However, if we metaphysicians believe that we create our own reality than a new pervasive attitude may be in order on the subject of our present work/labor.
Many years ago, as a new minister, I was frustrated by having to do work that I felt was not aligned with my ministry of peace. My sponsor in the ministry counseled me as follows: “You are a minister in the boardroom, in the kitchen, in the grocery store, cleaning house, being in the community etc.” I realized that she was suggesting that I change my attitude about everything I was doing that I considered more mundane and not ministerial. Being of service, was my ministry, not necessarily what service I was to perform.
Another example happened years ago when I was a young Media Buyer for a major advertising agency. I was forced to leave my position because the Media Director was sexually harassing me. I could not tell my then husband as I thought he would become violent with the man. I feigned discontent and unhappiness as reasons for leaving. Needing a job, any job, I took a job as a receptionist at a law firm. The work was pretty boring, and I’d mastered my tasks in a day.
Following my mother’s advice to turn the routine into something more satisfying I did the unthinkable, I asked for more work. The lawyers were amazed and happy to give me more interesting things to do. I stayed there until I found the next advertising position yet enjoyed my several months there and was very appreciated by my employers.
Now I realize that we cannot always turn the lemons of work into soufflés, however, we can change our attitude about whatever we are doing and focus on the service aspect of what we perform and do it well. As we hone other skills that we feel are more rewarding, perhaps we can move on to other work that we would find more enjoyable. Perhaps not, in which case those skills may be used for rewarding hobbies.
On this day, I will celebrate all the rewarding and menial jobs I’ve ever had with a sense of satisfaction because in my heart of hearts I know I did an equally exemplary job at all of them. I had no choice! Our father insisted that we give 110% in everything we did. Of course, I resented that as a young person but now know the wisdom of self-appreciation from doing my best.
Even if we are currently working at something primarily for survival, if we decide to make our current work the best it can be, we are announcing to the Universe that we are ready for something even better. Words to ponder on this Labor Day, fortitude, attitude, amplitude, magnitude, and gratitude.
