WORK

Be of good cheer; the warfare with 

one’s self is grand; it gives one plenty 

of employment … and obedience crowns persistent effort 

with everlasting victory.

–Miscellaneous Writings, p. 118, by Mary Baker Eddy--

Blue Iris

Now that I’m free to be myself, who am I?

Can’t fly, can’t run, and see how slowly I walk.

Well, I think, I can read books.

“What’s that you’re doing?”

the green-headed fly shouts as it buzzes past.

I close the book.

Well, I can write down words, like these, softly.

“What’s that you’re doing?” whispers the wind, pausing

in a heap just outside the window.

Give me a little time, I say back to its staring, silver face.

It doesn’t happen all of a sudden, you know.

“Doesn’t it?” says the wind, and breaks open, releasing

distillation of blue iris.

…

--Mary Oliver--

detail of a painting by rah

How can any type of productive and useful activity -- 

especially the comforting, supportive, and healing work for our fellowman -- 

be exhausting, when we are emotionally and mentally, as well as spiritually, 

at peace with ourselves? 

It cannot!    

Having said that, it is wise and prudent to give ourselves space for reflection, prayer, and meditation.  All our activities shine best, not by outer business, but by an inner space we allow ourselves -- moments filled with creative stillness -- and we'll be the stronger for it.   -- Eva-Maria--

Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts. 

–Science and Health, p. 261--

Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: 

for thy work shall be rewarded …

--The Bible, Jeremiah 31:16—

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved

Except by those who dared believe

That something inside them

Was superior to circumstance.

--Bruce Barton--

Success is the reward for achievement.  –Harry F. Banks--

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ:

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in judgment;

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

--The Bible, Philippians 1:3,, 4, 6, 9, and 10--

a picture I took when in Lucern/Switzerland