Vocation Contemplation: A New Wave of Thought

I've been engrossed in 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. Though I'd like to explore the concept of 'vocation' in future posts, for now I'd like to share a significant quote.

"Work is love made visible.  And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.  For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man's hunger.  And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge distills a poison in the wine.  And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing, you muffle man's ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.  All work is empty save when there is love; and when you work with love you bind yourself to yourself, and to one another, and to God."

-Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Wrap your head with that material,

Z

A Mother's Wisdom

I wanted to share a piece of precious wisdom my mother shared with me. Although it isn't directly from her mouth, it's definitely from her heart. She gave me a card on my 26th birthday that I have kept on my dresser for 5+ months because it really is profound. Each time I need to remember why I'm here and what I'm supposed to be doing while I'm here, I thank God I have this card from my mother to look at.

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A Little Guide to Life
For a Lovely Daughter on her Birthday

Be good to yourself.
There are some things
everyone deserves-
Love, respect, time to recharge.
Never settle for less.

Seek out your dreams.
Start small. Take it as it comes.
Even a butterfly has to inch along
before getting its wings.

Listen to your heart.
Trust your gut.
If the way seems unclear,
look within you.

Let your voice be heard.
You have a story to tell and opinions that count.
And a difference to make.

Stay curious. Wonder.
Take every opportunity to learn.
Knowledge is a gift.
It will take you places.

Hold on to what's important.
Let worries go.
No matter how you look at it,
some things just don't make sense.
The way you choose to carry on
Is what really matters.

And when you make that list of what you want in life,
make another list of what you've got.
Be sure to start with all the things
that make you a beautiful person.
There are so many.

Most of all, remember you're loved.
Always.

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Thank you Mom. I love you beyond words. <3