Article May 4, 1974 Issue

Toil, Labor, or Work?

MARGUERITE E. BUTTNER

There can be music in the sound of work. The hum of the tractor preparing for a rich harvest, the clatter of dishes being washed, have a rhythm that sometimes impels the worker to sing. Intellectual work often has quiet rhythm. The work of prayer, too, has harmony, for it leaves a melody in the heart. Work must have been a beautiful word to Mrs. Eddy, for she said, "The song of Christian Science is, 'Work—work—work—watch and pray."^{Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 2;}

But what about those almost-synonyms with shades of difference, toil and labor—or work itself when it connotes more effort than accomplishment? Nearly everyone likes to work in the sense of putting forth pleasant effort and seeing enormous results pour forth. But when work becomes labor—a greater effort with slowly emerging achievement; or toil—tedious effort with meager reward—the music becomes low key or fades altogether. At least until results begin to appear.

A study of Mrs. Eddy's use of each of these words shows that sometimes labor, and even toil, is vital to accomplishment. Rarely do learning or earning come without a struggle. Not all healings are instantaneous. We sometimes need diligent perseverance. But Principle, Spirit, God, knows nothing of tedium. Knowing this can bring buoyancy right into the midst of struggle or monotony. Principle is Life, the source of man's real strength, intelligence, and vitality. Through prayer to God we tap this strength and feel God's love lift our burdens. As we turn to God, toil diminishes and labor rises to the wholesome vigor of work. When we pray as we work, we are working with God, and then we see the fruits of effort become apparent.

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