Emerson: Grunt Work
Audio / Produced by The High CallingTranscript
Ralph Waldo Emerson is a well-known early American poet and philosopher. Once, when he was a child, he watched as a man sawed and cut up wood. Although the job was beyond the little boy’s strength, young Emerson wanted to help. After considerable thought, he said to the woodsman: “May I do the grunting for you?”
The book of Proverbs tells us to celebrate with those who celebrate and cry with those who cry. We should also work with those who work.
This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Getting under the load with someone nearby changes that relationship. Even the smallest amount of help will do. Find someone today with whom you can share the grunt work—it’s crucial in the high calling of our daily work.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.
(Phil. 2:1-2, NLT)
The demands, pressures and stress of work can put a huge strain on relationships with our coworkers. This 4-day plan from Theology of Work Project and Workmatters provides simple steps you can take to be more loving to your coworkers that will transform those relationships and increase both joy and productivity at work.