Now that I’ve found my purpose in life, work no longer feels like work. Right now, I am enjoying a spa weekend. Apparently, I can be pampered and work on the big questions of life, simultaneously.

It isn’t pride to suggest I can do more things than work as a cashier at Northfield FoodMart; or sell flowers at Mulberry Farm. Taking care of my parents was hard work. I’ve been working since I was 12 at jobs that were not particularly satisfying. Work can drain and crush the soul. In my case, a spa is for medicinal purposes. My well-being is mandatory!

I believe it would be pride if I didn’t work because of a too-high opinion of myself. But, that’s not true of me, usually. People accuse me of pride because I believed I was capable of more than a ‘job.’ Most people have much more potential than they realize. So, noticing this to be true isn’t pride, either.

According to the three-fold test defined as: Love God, Love others as I love myself, pride is overvaluing my own self by forsaking truth and forsaking others. But, I love God by pursuing Truth. I love others by sharing the truth that I find. I have a spa because I need one to survive. I may be a Viking. Rrrrrrrrr! But, I am a worn out one.

I find religious thinking on pride and luxury rather chewy and frustrating. Unlike chewing “the fat” (which is yummy and Dr. Atkin’s approved), Religion’s view on pampering and pride seems a bit more like gristle.

I tried to do a good job learning a song in church, I got accused of pride. Shouldn’t I do a good job? This is our Originator, we are serving. Should I do a mediocre job, does that glorify God better?

I knew a man who was accused of playing a piano too beautifully. Uh oh. Pride! Again, is mediocrity bordering on failure a conduit for proving humility?

Accusations emerge when people are successful. Must be pride (or greed)! Have a farm that is prospering? Must be some other reason than diligence, competence, and following sowing and reaping principles. Working from morning until evening –which is what most successful people do– may also be a factor.

Farmers know their purpose. They’re not smoking pot and playing video games endlessly. When one is aligned with one’s purpose, one is fruitful, happy, productive.

Being mediocre and living in inadequate conditions, is that a way of proving loyalty to God? Is that what the Almighty requires? The Originator of the very healthy Magnesium Salt Bath?

The church teaches people not to seek wealth. But, it always needs money.

What am I to say to that? There isn’t any parish that could do more good with more money. Feed more poor people; house more homeless people; and, provide more healthcare, etc. What Christ commands. How can church do those things without wealth?

Back to enjoying my spa day. One key feature of spas is to heat up the body to rid it of toxins. Those two have been killing me for a while now.

I might even have a glass of wine.