Our Real Work

In recent months, I've realized that I'm facing significant questions about my future.

Interestingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, these are the same feelings expressed by those I've encountered. Some of whom are younger, others older, and even those who recently graduated and just started working.

We seem to be grappling with the uncertainty of what steps to take next, awaiting some clarity.

It feels like being stuck with numerous questions, minimal clues, and a lack of answers.

And the entire process seems to be taking its own sweet time.

Whether it's a mid-life crisis, the awareness of mortality, or the timeless truth of Augustine of Hippo's famous phrase "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You," is left to be seen.

So, what could be the underlying cause?

Sometime last week, I stumbled upon Wendell Berry’s poem:

These words seem to resonate with the conflicting emotions stirring within me.

In case you’re wondering, Wendell Berry is an American novelist, poet, environmental activist, cultural critic, farmer, and ex-academia.

Check out this 2019 Vox article for a comprehensive write-up on Berry’s background.

So, What Is Our Real Work?

I bumped into an old friend whom I’d not met for 30-odd years at a coffee shop recently.

Initially excelling as a student pursuing a professional chartered accountant certification, he left a prestigious position at one of the world's largest accountancy firms after two years due to dissatisfaction with his role.

He switched to an entirely different profession, and oversaw the construction of a major maritime port in the country, departing it after a while when corporate politicking began to wear him down.

He now drives a Grab car for “fun”, 4 hours a day, takes his 2 dogs out for a run every evening, and plays football every time he gets the chance.

His children have flown the nest, doing well on their own.

When asked about his successful parenting, his response is nonchalant: "I'm unsure about what I did for them; I know we instilled values, provided a solid education, and they seem to be doing well. That's all that matters. I don’t think I did anything special."

What Is Our Real Journey?

A long time ago, I was fortunate to be part of a week-long youth program for youth leaders from all over Asia in Tagaytay, Philippines.

It was an eye-opener.

The chance to live with a foster family afforded me a glimpse into their daily lives. They had their problems sure, but they were never short of love or concern for me.

The rector of the Catholic seminary nearby taught us how to integrate the traditional “Tai Chi” movements - a Chinese practice that involves a series of slow gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing into morning prayer.

I never forgot that lesson.

A few times each year, a youth environment-based NGO would bring a small group of final-year university students to a mountaintop “go-green, back to nature” live-in experience. A retreat in other words.

There, they would gain firsthand experience of rural life, sustainable farming, and the diverse ecosystems that form the environment. They would be exposed to land and encroachment issues, and deliberate about the impact of big businesses on rural life and the environment.

These young people were selected because of their future leadership positions in the public and private sectors, where they will have the ability to impact environmental protection through laws, education, proactive decisions, and other ways.

“The Impeded Stream Is The One That Sings.”

I have a friend who, while teaching in a secondary school, simultaneously pursued a law degree without making a fuss.

About a year ago, he disclosed that he had just retired and been called to the bar.

Today, along with a few like-minded parishioners, he runs an educational program for underprivileged children in his church a couple of times a week.

Another friend, who grew up in a rural town, pursued a basic technical education and gradually worked his way up the ladder. He is now building power plants all over the world - from Russia to the Middle East to Pakistan.

When he first bought his house, he noticed a lack of trees and greenery in the area. Consequently, every night he began planting a few saplings.

Today, those saplings have grown into sturdy young trees, providing a welcome canopy of green in his neighborhood.

Eventually, another neighbor joined him. From there it has grown into a small but dedicated group that is passionate about caring for the environment in their area.

Famous Last Words

I can't help wondering how many things that we do count as real work.

Most of the time, we are so focused on the busy noise of daily productivity that we overlook the possibility of a greater vision for ourselves.

Some uncertainty may be beneficial.

Perhaps a change of direction is necessary.

But first, we need to slow down and observe what’s going on around and within us.

“When the pupil is ready, the master will appear”.

As seems to be in the case of Wendell Berry and my friends.

Cheers!

Till next time.

Jude

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