Envying the Simple

When God decided to be human, he chose to be a carpenter. The significance
of this should not be lost on us. He could chosen to be an civil
administrator, or a tax collector, a doctor, or a myriad of other "socially
enviable" positions. No, he chose to work with his hands to make an honest
living. Same with Paul. He did not choose some high-flying career. He just
made tents. Enough to get by, he said. And an occupation much in demand,
says historians/theologians.

There's this cleaning lady who comes to my office to clear my trash every
day. Mid-30s, she's always working hard and jovial. Once in a while, she
will sit by the pantry to have her quiet tea. I asked her if she was happy
once. She said every one has family troubles -- she has her fair share. But
she spoke about her work with an ease and comfort that officer workers,
particularly civil servants, may find difficult to summon. I clean every
day, and work to make a living, she says, smiling.

I said I envied her. She did not seem surprised.

We make too much of our work.