Work life.
September 3, 2011
Shalom is a butchered word. But it’s one of my favorites.
While most people use it to say, “hello, peace to you.” The word is actually way more multi-dimensional than just peace as we know it.
For Shalom. Christianity appeals to me because of the hope is brings by ushering in Shalom. Shalom – the remaking of the world. The justice for the starving, raped, murdered, lost, confused and utterly marginalized people. It is the hope for the city – remaking of all those “bad neighborhoods” and the places where no one wants to live or drive because the people are too scary or too needy to be of any use. It is the hope for reconciliation between people groups that have slaughtered each other either in word or deed.
Shalom is what keeps me focused when I feel discouraged. It is what keeps me humble when I feel the haughty spirit of “success” leaping out of me and smirking. It is what directs me toward others when that pang of envy pulls the wind out of my chest. It is what reminds me to rejoice in other’s successes and mourn when people are broken. It is what redirects me when I don’t feel like helping someone else succeed. It’s is what keeps me aware and what flashes before me when I lose focus. It’s what remind me that I do not stand alone. I have been helped, molded, remade, taught, instructed, exhorted, given benefits, given gifts, been given grace… abundantly. I stand on the shoulders of those who have come before me.
It’s why I work hard. It’s why I work, period.
I have never met a completely evil or completely good person. Though, we do have evidence to suggest that these people exist – ie. Mother Teresa (good), Hitler (evil). Most people, I find, fall somewhere on the spectrum and everyone I know has totally redeemable qualities. I say this, because when I feel like I am either all bad for being rude, snide, easily flustered, jealous, envious or just flat out ugly about something… I remember that, at the same time, I love, give of myself, cherish life, want good things for people, and earnestly try to do what’s helpful, true and good even if it’s not always to my advantage.
Work is hard. Working for the good of others, even harder. But we must… it is looking at someone and speaking, wishing them Shalom.
