Labor Day

"Without work all life goes rotten."
     - Albert Camus, 1913 - 1960


Yes, all work and no play makes anyone dull; however, there is value and satisfaction in working. Sure, there's your job, but I'm talking about the little chores of life that no one wants to do, but there's always an undeniable feeling of satisfied accomplishment after.


Let me explain how this quote by Albert Camus played out in my life.


On Saturday, I was tired and feeling sad. I went to the gym in the morning and finished a book I had started on Friday. After that, however, I pretty much wasted my day watching television shows on hulu.com. This did not help my melancholic feelings. I felt rotten. I dwelled in my sorrow instead of fighting my way out of it. I had a to-do list of chores I wanted to accomplish, but I was too tired and felt too overwhelmed by the list. So, I lament Saturday as a waste. I ended the day by writing in my journal and posting it on this blog. A total loss? No, but it also wasn't the day I had intended.


Sunday, however, was much better. I went to church and appreciated how God communicated with me during the service. Since I had watched everything on hulu the day before, I had free time to actually whittle away at my to-do list. I cleaned and organized and tended to my garden. I went to a coffee shop to journal and met a friend to walk. I couldn't believe how quickly my afternoon disappeared. 


I felt happier and satisfied after finishing some of my chores. But there are times when I am just too tired to tackle my to-do list. Watching hulu, however, is not the best solution. I'll be working (ha, working) on finding a more restful activity.


Today, I have a few things left on my to-do list, including washing my car. I really don't want to do it, especially because it makes me sad to think that my car-washing friend moved in June. We'll see how today goes, though. A delicate balance of work and play and rest.