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Last week we spoke about strong work ethic, but that must be balanced with taking joy in life outside of work and with taking joy in the work. We don’t work hard for the sake of working hard or even to be building up a personal little kingdom of accomplishments. We want to be building up something greater than ourselves, and in the process we should find great joy. If we don’t find that joy, then something needs to change. The work itself, our schedules, our attitudes, non-work activities, relationships, faith, etc. all must dovetail together. If they don’t, then everything suffers. So, we want it to be that all of us have the proper balance.

Looking to examples of those taking joy in life or work is a great way to examine our own joyfulness. I’m sure there are plenty of examples that are better than this, but one great example of taking joy in life is Dick Van Dyke of Mary Poppins, Dick Van Dyke Show, Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang and Diagnosis Murder. You might think to yourself, “Surely he’s dead or decrepit by now.” That’s a reasonable thought, but you’re so wrong. He’s in a singing group and still regularly performs in ways that are ridiculous for a man who was born before the Great Depression.

Here are a couple of good videos of him over the last year. Hopefully they’re a little uplifting for you all.

BONUS: Watch Dick Van Dyke on a playground! (Only an eight-second video)

Here are a few brief thoughts on working hard and our general approach to work. Hopefully, it’s of some benefit and serves as an encouragement.