Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Work: fun?
It says a lot about my current state, but I have finally got around to looking at last week's Church Times, and an article I thought noteworthy enough to be mentioned on this (unread?) pages.
The article concerns the winner of this year's Templeton Prize, a sort of Theological 'Oscar', given for "progress towards research or discoveries about spiritual realities."
It notes:
There are plenty of areas where I have never been able, willing or motivated to develop a personal theology (or at least enough to formalise it and write it down) but the sentiment struck a chord. I never really worked. I just play."
Whatever your take on Genesis, the Fall and so forth I thought Dr Townes remark was an interesting counter to the judgement meted out to Adam and the need for him to obtain his sustenance "by the sweat of... [his] brow"
It may be only a distant dream for so many, but surely it's an eloquent, even prophetic, vision for what work should be for each one of us. A rewarding, fulfilling and most importantly an enjoyable experience. Fun. Surely that is at least in part something that Jesus speaks about in John 10:10 - "I have come that they mayhave life, and have it to full."
And I can only rejoice in the realisation that being an ordained, stipendiary, minister is at best, such a vocation. Fun. I can only ask that God help me to help others discern how their gifts, talents and skills could be employed for the provision of their substance on a daily basis that amounts to such enjoyment.
(Not to mention reminding me of any harsh comments and judgements I may make of those around me who work far harder, and for far less satisfaction and enjoyment, than I experience.) ¶ 5:53 pm
The article concerns the winner of this year's Templeton Prize, a sort of Theological 'Oscar', given for "progress towards research or discoveries about spiritual realities."
It notes:
He is credited in his nomination with "helping to create and sustain the dialogue between science and theology", and thus making "a profound contribution to the world's progress in understanding - and embracing - the wonder of God's creation". He himself says simply: "I've just had fun in my life trying to understand the universe and understand physics. I never really worked. I just play."
There are plenty of areas where I have never been able, willing or motivated to develop a personal theology (or at least enough to formalise it and write it down) but the sentiment struck a chord. I never really worked. I just play."
Whatever your take on Genesis, the Fall and so forth I thought Dr Townes remark was an interesting counter to the judgement meted out to Adam and the need for him to obtain his sustenance "by the sweat of... [his] brow"
It may be only a distant dream for so many, but surely it's an eloquent, even prophetic, vision for what work should be for each one of us. A rewarding, fulfilling and most importantly an enjoyable experience. Fun. Surely that is at least in part something that Jesus speaks about in John 10:10 - "I have come that they mayhave life, and have it to full."
And I can only rejoice in the realisation that being an ordained, stipendiary, minister is at best, such a vocation. Fun. I can only ask that God help me to help others discern how their gifts, talents and skills could be employed for the provision of their substance on a daily basis that amounts to such enjoyment.
(Not to mention reminding me of any harsh comments and judgements I may make of those around me who work far harder, and for far less satisfaction and enjoyment, than I experience.) ¶ 5:53 pm
