26 February

Anyone Enjoying Work

by Jon Katz
Still True
Still True

Some years ago, Florence Walrath put this sign up in the back door window. Maria and I never once thought of taking it down, though it is fading and turning yellow. It says “Anyone Enjoying Work Can Have A Good Time In This Institution.” The choice of words is interesting, as much for what it implies as what it says. Florence was both hard-working and tough. The use of the word “institution” is interesting, and I like her equating the idea of hard work and a “good time.” From what I hear, people who did not wish to work did not have a good time. The message is a challenge to dawdlers and stragglers not to come into the house and expect to be left unchallenged. It is a valuable work ethic, perhaps one of the reasons Florence remained independent and active in her until until she was well past 100.

I hope the signs holds up forever. It is an inspiration to me every day to get my work done. To not only work hard, but enjoy it.

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