The fool is so committed to the pursuit of evil that nothing deters him. He detests the very thought of turning from his course. This single-mindedness is admirable, even if the pursuit is not. Plenty of people have commendable longings and passions, but they lack the wrongdoer’s single-minded devotion to what he loves. In fact, many people spend their lives doing what they can’t stand—most notably their careers. Conversely, some people have found personal fulfillment in a livelihood that expresses their longing.
A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but a fool detests turning from evil.
—King Solomon, Wisdom Teacher
In the book Do What you Love; The Money will Follow, the author encourages people to pursue their soul’s passion. What does your soul long to do? Whatever the passion, even if it’s initially done as a hobby, it’s the starting point for genuine satisfaction.
For many years, my mom ran her own day care. For years before that, she worked as a day care teacher for someone else. She worked long hours, especially in her own business, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She didn’t make much money, but that didn’t matter to her. She loved working with kids; she loved every day of her job. My mom has inspired me to pursue what I love to do.
Many people are concerned with having a certain standard of living, and while they might be making money hand over fist, they are not happy. I don’t know about you, but I would rather have little and be happy than have much and be miserable. Yes, we have responsibilities to family and creditors, but to view employment as a means to fulfill these responsibilities is not the best formula for living well (i.e., doing what you love). No material possession compares to the sweet satisfaction of a longing fulfilled.
If you pursue your longing, monetary rewards may not immediately follow, but eventually you can expect to make enough for what you need. In the meantime, you may need to continue working and/or advance your studies to keep your dream alive. For instance, an artist who is not proficient enough to sell her work will need to work another job while she is practicing to become a marketable artist.
Many people feel trapped in their jobs and misery is the inevitable consequence. The solution: Make your life count for the very thing your Creator intended. Find a way to do what you love.
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