Life is 99% Work and 1% Play - True or False?

"Well," you may say, "I know the answer to that question!" A few short years ago, I would have said the same thing. Definitely true! After all, with a household of twelve I most certainly was kept on my toes from early in the morning and well into the evening. It was a rare occasion I could put my feet up and relax, and by the time the littlies were in bed, that was where I headed as well. I was generally asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

A baby would undoubtedly awaken at least once during the night, and a toddler would more than likely wander in at some stage too. It wasn’t unusual for us to have three littlies in the bed from time to time –- and in those days it was a double bed. How I longed for a queen size.

As it is with all young mothers, this was my way of life. For some, it is for just a few short years, but for others it continues longer. In my case, our first born was 19-½ when our last baby was born.

Do we complain? Do our hearts lust after more fun in our lives? Are we truly satisfied with our lot in life, or do we long for something more interesting and some out-of-the-home activities to counteract the boredom?

In the past, when one of my children came to me and said "Mum, what can I do that’s fun, not work," I would invariably give the standard answer, "Life is 99% work and 1% play." We would both be annoyed -– I by the question, they by the answer.

Recently I got to thinking about what constituted fun. Our national sport (here in New Zealand) is something many, including myself, enjoy. Our sons play and we have made a point of going to watch them when at all possible -– and of course we always plan to watch the All Blacks, even if it’s only on TV.

People love to play it. People love to watch it. It’s soooooo much fun! Or is it? It looks like hard work to me, and for the players it is. Rugby is their job, their career if you like. Fun? Yeah right! Who would truly call it fun, getting out there in the midst of the furor -– taking the knocks, the broken limbs, going to the blood bin, being kicked, punched, bitten and more! It’s work isn’t it?

As for the spectators –- they enjoy it so long as their team is winning but they are generally far from happy if it isn’t!

Obviously this example can be seen in many similar scenarios, even in our own homes. Why is it that most people differentiate work and fun? How many of us would classify housework as fun?

I got to thinking about this recently. The Lord really got on my case, because now that the children are all older I don’t have to be quite so immaculate and spotlessly clean as I did at one time (not that it always was, of course!). To be honest, I have become a bit slack. I never did like housework much, and I have found better things to do, things that I enjoy doing. They are fun! Housework? Hmmmmmmm…….

The conclusion I came to is that mostly we have to work in order to have fun. Perhaps you are asking where do household chores come into all this? Which part of it constitutes fun?

Many years ago, I heard a man say that his idea of fun was looking down into the face of his new grandbaby. At the time, I couldn’t understand how this could be classified as fun. To me, fun was getting out there on the beach, swimming, throwing a ball, playing with the children, and such.

My whole thought pattern is changing (it’s still in the process). Here are some areas I am now seeing through different eyes:

Dishes – This has not been my favorite pastime by any means, but when I view the end result -– a clean and tidy bench (not necessarily spotless and gleaming every time) -- it gives me pleasure. A job well done.

Housework – What a waste of time, especially when there are more pleasant things to do. But what happens if I hear someone is coming over? I rush to clean up. I feel good. I enjoy my visit because I know my house is clean and tidy.

However, what do I do if they just arrive at the door? More often than not I cringe! "Oh, if only I’d cleaned the bathroom today. And what if the toilet isn’t clean?! Oh dear, the dining room is a mess. I’ve been working on crafts all week and there’s stuff all over the floor. I should have tidied up when I finished last night!" Do I feel happy then? No way!

Having a clean and tidy home gives me great satisfaction. I can relax knowing it’s ready to receive friends at any time.

Gardening – This is something that did not get much attention when I had lots of small children and babies. If I had time, I would occasionally plant a few pretty plants and tidy up around the front door. I was happy knowing it once again looked clean and tidy –- and beautiful!

Washing – This is something that did get lots of attention, and still does. Will it ever go away? No! I’d better enjoy it –- and I do. I love bringing in the washing, especially when it’s been in the sunshine. It smells so good!

Shopping – I used to love shopping. I’d go whenever I could, especially to the Hypermarket. It would have sooooooo many good bargains. My children had way more clothes than they needed. I couldn’t resist a bargain. I wasted my husband’s money. That didn’t make me feel good. I felt guilty. Nowadays, I always look to the Lord; I want to know if I should be purchasing this particular item. I often walk around the shop with it in my hand and buy it if I know He is okay with that. If not, I put it back. Shopping is now something I can look forward to knowing I am being lead by the Spirit.

 

I can now understand more fully what that gentleman meant by finding fun in looking at the face of his new grandbaby. Fun is something that is satisfying to the soul -– something that makes us feel good, something we enjoy. Generally it takes hard work to get there, but the end result is well worth it.

So if someone asked me today if the saying that "Life is 99% work and 1% play" is true or false, I would have to emphatically say that the answer is false. No matter what we do, it can be classified as play or work. We can choose. Do we see it as "hard yakker" or something we can enjoy? The attitude we adopt is the one we will follow. It’s an ongoing choice.

My mind is going through the process of changing. It doesn’t always comply but I’m working on it.

 

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© Margaret Hartnett