There is a story that a young man passing by a farmyard noticed an elderly man chopping wood into stove lengths. Referring to the large pile of wood still to be cut, the young man asked, "Isn't that a lot of work for you to be doing?"

"Well, you see, Son," answered the other, "I don't tire myself out thinking about how much work I still have to do. I take one piece and tend to that, and then I take another and tend to that, and so on. First thing you know, the work is finished."

If we regard our work as burdensome and dread taking care of it, we may feel weary before we begin. Industry, a positive outlook, and cheerfulness help us perform our daily tasks harmoniously and efficiently. Important though an affirmative attitude may be, our greatest help in carrying on our rightful work is the understanding in Christian Science that God, infinite, divine Mind, is the source of our strength, energy, and vitality. As we align our thoughts with Him through prayer and right thinking and acting, we experience His care and guidance and are protected from fatigue.

When we find it necessary and right to take on extra duties in our homes, our places of business, or elsewhere, we will not, as a result, suffer fatigue or a sense of depletion if we place our reliance on divine Mind for our support and guidance. In our genuine being as God's children, or ideas, we are always at one with Him and are always being supplied the strength and inspiration needed for all worthwhile accomplishments. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health: "Constant toil, deprivations, exposures, and all untoward conditions, if without sin, can be experienced without suffering. Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself." ^{Science and Health, p. 385;}

Service to others, rendered lovingly and unselfishly, can only bless us because this opens our thought to the strengthening, uplifting power of God, divine Principle, Love. Mrs. Eddy says of Mind-science, "It dissipates fatigue in doing good." ^{p. 79;} And she says in Miscellaneous Writings, "Love makes all burdens light, it giveth a peace that passeth understanding, and with 'signs following.'" ^{Mis., p. 133;}

Christ Jesus was tireless in his loving labors for the benefit of mankind. His clear understanding that God, infinite Truth and Love, was with him at all times empowered him to carry on his mighty works of healing and teaching. He stated, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." ^{John 5:19;} On another occasion he said, "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." ^14:10;

Wholesome pleasurable pursuits are often helpful, adding interest to one's days. However, should pleasure-seeking predominate in our lives, we may be troubled with tiredness and a lessening of effectiveness in taking care of our normal activities. A growing understanding of God as omnipresent Truth, Life, and Love, and of man's true selfhood as His complete and perfect expression, increases our vigor and promotes zestful, productive living.

A continuing endeavor to express our natural qualities of goodness and love makes us responsive to God's beneficent care and control, so that we enjoy peace and freedom as we take care of our obligations. Wholesome, grateful, harmonious thoughts are restful and refreshing in their effect, while discordant, unloving thoughts tend to weariness and a lack of interest in our daily living. Should we be tempted to entertain such errors as jealousy, resentment, or revenge, we can reject them through the recognition that they are baseless, not part of our true, spiritual being, made in the likeness of God, divine Love.

One may become disturbed over the wrong words or acts of another, believing that they are affecting him adversely. In reality, no person or circumstance can deprive us of the blessings God has ordained for each of us. Discord is impersonal, unreal, and is not an expression of man's real, spiritual being, which is characterized only by that which is loving and wholesome. The exercise of unselfishness, charity, patience, and forgiveness brings freedom from strife, so that our days become more meaningful and satisfying.

The Bible assures us in the words of Isaiah, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." ^{Isa. 40:31.} We "wait upon the Lord" as we continue to progress spiritually and humbly allow God, divine Principle, to govern our affairs. Then as we earnestly endeavor to express constructive qualities at all times, we are free from fatigue and other hindrances and enjoy an ever-increasing sense of well-being.