We were created to work. And a meaningful life is discovered in part by finding a meaningful way to offer our strength to our communities. This is much more than simply earning a living as it impacts our very being and how we show up throughout our life and relationships.
Of course, we have to eat and so we have to work to some degree. But the work here is not just about paying our bills, though it includes this as well. Meaningful work focuses more on how we can uniquely make an impact for good in the world.
And while it’s true that sometimes we put too much focus on making a name for ourselves at work, or otherwise becoming a workaholic to the neglect of our families and other meaningful aspects of our life, this is not to minimize the importance of our work.
When our work is not fulfilling we’re more prone to anxiety, frustration, and despair. And this can leave us to become more critical of our wife and kids, and more tempted to engage in our various vices to numb the deep ache we feel.
In time, we become a shell of a man – going through the motions of life, but growing evermore bitter and resentful inside.
The answer here is not in a particular job. There are many things we can do that are meaningful. But, to be sure, just because we can do them doesn’t necessarily make them meaningful. They become meaningful as we see how our unique talents, gifts, and abilities make a difference in the lives of others.
And while sometimes this comes through our paid employment, many times it comes through how we offer our strength outside of our normal 9 to 5.
Whatever it looks like, we need this meaningful work to thrive.
In the end, work is not just about earning a paycheck, but rather making a difference.
Discover the work that gives your life greater meaning. This blesses your life and your relationships.
Photo by Avi Richards on Unsplash
