This quote on education, speaking about an approach for children’s education, is foundational when applied to our own work, and our decisions as to where our livelihoods may be derived:

“Not all, however, will be able to engage in advanced studies. Therefore, these children must be sent to industrial schools where they can also acquire technical skills, and once the child becometh proficient in such a skill, then let consideration be given to the child’s own preferences and inclinations. If the child hath a liking for commerce, then let him choose commerce; if for industry, then industry; if for higher education, the advancement of knowledge; if for some other of the responsibilities of humankind, then that. Let him be placed in that field for which he hath an inclination, a desire and a talent.” (Abdu’l Baha, “The True Foundation of all Economics”)

Each of us can look into an opportunity to work in a field that we have “an inclination, a desire and a talent”. These days, perhaps there has been a little too much time in reflection, and maybe you are not looking forward to going beck to how it was.

Realizing this may mean looking a little more deeply at what is in your heart. Making a change does not always mean it will be easy. What have you always wanted to do? Build houses? Teach? Start an agriculture venture, a restaurant, or owning a gym? Maybe become the greatest mom ever? The list is only limited by your decision as to what you really want. It will take hard work, commitment, sometimes extended education and training or extra funds, and a sustained effort, but you can do it. Look very seriously at the work you are performing, and decide, “Do I want this to be my contribution to society or do I really want something different?” Whichever you choose, be proud, and do it with dignity.

“It is incumbent upon each one of you to engage in some occupation—such as a craft, a trade or the like. We have exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship of the one true God. …Waste not your hours in idleness and sloth, but occupy yourselves with what will profit you and others.” (Baha’u’llah, “The Kitab-i-Aqdas”)

Imagine how different we will live if we are working in a field we enjoy, feeling successful and appreciative of the opportunity to do so. Work done in the spirit of service, is worship.

Another avenue — are you interested in pursuing involvement in community service? Volunteers are always needed, but if you choose to, you can make a profession of this. There is always a need for instructors, trainers or managers of these projects. We can imagine a path of service along which we walk together, with partners or coworkers who are like minded.

“Having attained the stage of fulfillment and reached his maturity, man standeth in need of wealth, and such wealth as he acquireth through crafts of professions is commendable and praise-worthy in the estimation of men of wisdom, and especially in the eyes of servants who dedicate themselves to the education of the world and to the edification of its peoples. They are, in truth, cup-bearers of the life-giving water of knowledge and guides unto the ideal way. They direct the peoples of the world to the straight path and acquaint them with that which is conducive to human upliftment and exaltation.” (Baha’u’llah, “The True Foundation of all Economics”)

He goes on to say, “To engage is some profession is highly commendable, for when occupied with work one is less likely to dwell on the unpleasant aspects of life.”

Each individual makes the choice of where they will take their life, regardless of what age we begin our assessment. There are two ways to live: by design, or by default. Will we choose to participate in the results, or will we just let life happen?

Moral instruction, religious or spiritual teachings, are above all other sources of instruction and development. We cannot be happy and peaceful in our lives without these teachings. The world of humanity has been advancing and progressing day by day, some countries by leaps and bounds. Those that have been most successful in improving the conditions of existence for all members of their society and have seen the most success in every field of endeavor, have been those who value spiritual truths.

Many of you have vigorously tried to live up to these high standards and ideals. At the foundation of all work and service, are spiritual values: Honesty, integrity, cooperation, compassion, love — all elements of spiritual values; all a part of our accomplishments.

We are driven by these spiritual values, and our individual work is a method of teaching them. We feel a desire to help one another and to see the society around us advance and prosper. We all look forward to a future where peace and harmony have been established and the people of the world live in unity.

Such a world is not a utopian pipe sdream and can be built through human effort that seeks to uplift hearts and minds and to transform the structures of society. This effort can grow and bear fruit as more and more of us unite in service to humanity.

Deep in our hearts each of us has the desire to serve. Our communities, and their organizations and employment will provide what we need to develop our capacity to undertake acts of service selflessly and purely for the good of others. Let’s step forth to take our place in the arena of work and service so our talents and skills, specialized training, our material resources, and offers of time and energy be put to work in improving ourselves and our communities.