Issue 149
If you love your work and are good at it, there is a possibility that you can become obsessed with it. Whilst it may be useful and valuable to have such a passion and indeed it may allow you to do your job well, there may be long-term inherent risks. Others in your life may notice that although things may fascinate you, there is an increasing one-dimensional nature to your company. By way of analogy, if you love music you will be aware of the satisfaction that a two-part harmony can bring to the ear as opposed to just a single note. Don’t get me wrong here; I am not saying lose your passion, lower your standards or compromise on your job. I am suggesting that perhaps there is a healthier way to function that would be of benefit to you as well as others around you.
The Greeks had a word for that certain ‘other something’ which a person does, secondary but important, in relation to their main vocation. The word is ‘parergon’. It referred to a hobby, a second skill or an enthusiasm which nourished the soul but was not necessarily the central vocation in a person’s life.
If they were on to something, I would suggest a couple of reminders for the busy readers of this piece. First, if you don’t have a parergon, get one. It will do you good by both occasionally taking your mind off one thing but also refreshing your mind and body so that when returning to your core activity you will be more effective. Secondly, if you do have a parergon, don’t neglect it. I have had many a conversation in the context of stressful living, with people who have forgotten to do the thing they love and are good at. They have forgotten their music, their sport, their bird watching, their collecting habit or wine tasting and become impoverished as a result.
Sometimes we can become so concerned to gain a world of work that we lose our soul. “God,” according to Paul, when writing to Timothy, “has given us all things richly to enjoy.” Clearly, one-dimensional living is not part of God’s creation plan. Judging by the concept of parergon, it was not part of the Greeks’ plan either, so happy parergonning, which I’m sure is not a good word but it is a good idea.
Mark 8: 36
36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
1 Timothy 6: 17
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
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Work well
Geoff Shattock
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