Work?

Maynard G. Crebbs made that one word line famous years ago in that comic role on TV. "Work?" he would say anytime someone suggested he do just that. He avoided work at all cost. I always loved work. I learned so much from various opportunities to work. Even starting with working with my dad for nothing I learned practical skills. I can do most trades because of summer jobs. I must say however that my two major life vocations were the best. As a teacher I had the opportunity to work with young people in a formative time in their lives. Not all wanted to learn what I had to teach, but I always thought that the most important thing I had to teach was not subject matter but rather about life and character. I needed to teach a subject too, but underneath I was always looking for the chances to show ways of thinking and ways of making life choices. My greatest memories, as a teacher, are about conversations with individuals and groups of students where I could see they got an important life message. As a priest I was directly involved in trying to help people see life through a lens that I knew makes life work, a Christian lens. I've said frequently that I have had the privilege of being invited into peoples lives at some of their most important moments. I've held babies in hospital rooms moments after their birth like I was a family member. I have been at the bedside with family members as they say goodbye to a dying loved one. I've helped couples plan their wedding and think about their marriage. I counseled people through many individual difficulties. In all those situations I've watched God touch peoples lives with healing and meaning. I can't imagine a greater experience for a person's life work. Work? I say, "Yes!!!"