The best spiritual benefit of a job is that work is humbling. I remember when I used to complain about the most menial tasks, but physical labour has taught me how to appreciate the many blessings in my life. I know that at times I still complain when I know I should not, but through my work I am learning to become more patient every day.

Another lesson work has taught me is how valuable it is to go beyond what is expected. Take a teacher, for example. There are guaranteed to be some teachers who do the bare minimum, simply enough to get by and receive their yearly salary. Now think of the teachers who strive to make every lesson motivating and who work towards bringing the best out of each student. It is clear that the latter are far more memorable and favoured among students.

This can be applicable to every task in life, and one will always find that inspired work is far more rewarding.

In terms of my job, I can choose to do small tasks for others or sweep the deck a few more times when cleaning the pool.

Jesus, of course, is the greatest teacher and the model of virtues found in work. He is the perfect example of greatness in humility. One can ask how such an oxymoron could exist, but the truth lies in His work as a carpenter. In comparison to His humble birth in a manger, Jesus says without words that simple tasks performed with self-sacrificing virtue, and not boastful tasks performed in vain, yield great love.

Practising humility in work calls to mind St. Isidore the Farmer. St. Isidore woke up early every day before work to attend Mass and laboured on his employer’s farm with immense patience, always thinking of God as he worked. He beautifully illustrates how every task in life is an opportunity for holiness.

We are called to live such sacred contradictions as Jesus and the saints did. Those who praise and honour God are lifted up in return. Jesus says “be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you.” Our humility in work achieves inevitable greatness: we learn to love others more deeply, and we begin to let others love ourselves.

I will remember that the next time I am guarding lives, in the care of God, who will always be guarding mine.

(Milavec, 16, is a Grade 11 student at Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School in Toronto.)