Work and effort are essential aspects of human life. They are the means by which we pursue our goals, express our talents, and contribute to society. Without work and effort, we would not be able to achieve anything meaningful or valuable. However, work and effort are not always rewarded with the results we desire. Sometimes, we may face obstacles, failures, or disappointments that make us question our abilities and worth. In such situations, we may feel tempted to give up or lose hope. How can we overcome these challenges and maintain our motivation and perseverance?
One possible answer is to adopt a spiritual perspective on work and effort, as suggested by the famous Turkish poet and Sufi mystic Yunus Emre. Yunus Emre lived in the 13th and 14th centuries, a turbulent time in Anatolian history marked by the Mongol invasion, the collapse of the Seljuk Empire, and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Yunus Emre traveled across Anatolia, spreading the message of love, tolerance, and unity among different religious and ethnic groups. He also composed many poems in the Turkish language, expressing his devotion to God and his mystical insights. One of his most famous sayings is “Destiny is in love with effort” (Kader çabaya âşıktır).
What does this saying mean? It means that work and effort are not only necessary but also beloved by God. It means that God appreciates and rewards our sincere and diligent efforts, even if they do not lead to the outcomes we expect. It means that God has a plan for us and that our efforts are part of that plan. It means that we should not be attached to the results of our work, but rather to the process and the intention behind it. It means that we should trust in God’s wisdom and mercy and accept whatever He decrees for us.
By adopting this perspective, we can transform our attitude towards work and effort. We can see them as acts of worship rather than as means of worldly gain. We can see them as opportunities to grow, learn, and serve, rather than as sources of stress and anxiety. We can see them as expressions of gratitude rather than as demands of entitlement. We can see them as ways of aligning ourselves with God’s will, rather than as ways of imposing our own will.
This does not mean that we should be passive or fatalistic. On the contrary, we should strive to do our best in whatever we do and seek to improve ourselves and our skills. We should also have goals and aspirations and work towards them with passion and dedication. However, we should also be humble and realistic and acknowledge that we are not in control of everything. We should also be flexible and adaptable, and we should be ready to face any changes or challenges that may arise. We should also be patient and optimistic and not lose hope or faith in God’s help and guidance.
By doing so, we can experience the benefits of work and effort, both in this world and in the hereafter. We can enjoy the satisfaction and fulfillment that come from doing something meaningful and valuable. We can also earn the respect and appreciation of others and contribute to the common good. Moreover, we can attain the pleasure and approval of God and receive His blessings and rewards. We can also develop our spiritual qualities, such as trust, gratitude, patience, perseverance, and contentment.
In conclusion, work and effort are important and valuable aspects of human life, but they should not be seen as ends in themselves but rather as means to a higher end, which is to please God and fulfill His purpose for us. By following Yunus Emre’s saying, “Destiny is in love with effort," we can adopt a spiritual perspective on work and effort and transform them into acts of worship and service. By doing so, we can overcome the challenges and difficulties that we may face and achieve success and happiness in both worlds.
Comentários