Dad loved the work he did. He called it simple work. But he simply loved it and people loved him. Whether he was working as a father, a career volunteer, in the church or at the office, he loved his work. And his attitude was infectious.

Mother wore her work like a badge of honor. Every story she told ended with a sigh and… “I did this work for my family.”

Conflicted by my parents’ messages, my dad’s attitude toward work resonated with me. The stronger, more positive spirit won out, and as I recall during my imaginary playtime, I announced happily, “I am off to work now!”

Thinking back on the many gifts I received from my parents on the business of work, what burns brightest is the light that illuminated their lives, expressing their greatest values. The legacy of doing versus just being was a strong lesson. “At work, do your work joyfully,” dad would say adding, ” when it’s family time be present!”

Early on, little ones pretend to be mommies and daddies. As their world grows larger, the young child imitates the role of doctor or police officer. Subliminally they want to serve and make things better! Why does that change?
All too soon the self-absorbed teen searches for ways to chase a paycheck. The shift in values begins. Young adults see their lives fragmented; you get a job, earn a salary and the rest of your time is spent on doing things that bring some happiness.
But I would argue that work and life are connected. Both are driven by the Spirit. What spirit of work do you impart in your home? How are your experiences with work shaping your son or daughter’s attitude and perspective?

An end of the summer event; who doesn’t like a night outdoors?  It’s the last Saturday in August. The big dipper’s appearance overhead is an added treat to the beautiful Hollywood Bowl back drop.  The impressive bandshell shines like the bright sun before she sets in the west. Eighteen thousand concert-goers begin to find a place to nest and dine.

In this fish bowl, the class distinctions mirror life.

You can find the top one per cent comfortably seated in the pool circle. The inhabitants are sport-coated and strapless. Amidst the crisp linens, silverware and crystal, catered meals and fine champagne generously flow. The fragrance of sophistication fades before it reaches the higher elevations.

Terrace boxes comprise the next nine percent of the population. Neatly packaged dinners, plasticware and moderately wines with bold labels are prominently positioned for the discerning eyes to see. Casual elegance and polite conversations buffer the exuberance from above.

And then there is the rest of the world. Tupperware to two buck chuck, food and wine are stored underneath the seats and there is no pretense here. No comparing but lots of sharing. While there is a definite distinction of class and color; the evening’s participants of the ”rest of show”  display decorum and genuine pleasure in open-air experience. Saturday date-night itty bitty black dresses loose fitting collared shirts dot the crowd adding a festive feel to what awaits 36,000 longing ears.

The balmy night air is filled with magic and music and the two and one half hour  stunning performance does not disappoint. Three encores speak volumes. All have been sated. People have come to catch a glimpse of a legendary conductor. God smiles and realizes that lives may not be permanently changed by a philharmonic experience but civility reigns as the masses pour into the streets of a Saturday Night feverish Hollywood lifestyle.