Speed of joy

https://odb.org/2024/10/16/the-speed-of-joy

“Speed of joy” is a phrase coined by Sheridan Voysey, a writer based in Oxford, United Kingdom, who regularly writes for Our Daily Bread. It speaks of the pace of working, a pace that brings us joy instead of too much pressure and anxiety.

At work, we either work frantically, complete our tasks as soon as possible, or work at a more leisurely pace. In privately owned enterprises, the tendency is the former. While for government linked organisations, it is more the latter. Of course, a lot depends on the urgency of the work. Even for GLCs, if it is to respond to an outside tender, the pace is still frantic as tenders usually have very tight deadlines. But when the timelines are in our hands, GLCs don’t rush because there are many things to consider, and thus, a more conservative approach is taken. There are a few layers of bureaucracy, and compliance is emphasised rather than commercial expediency.

A work pace that is quick is actually quite necessary in the real world. Opportunities come and go, and don’t wait around for anyone. So, if we are slow to respond or fail to plan well in advance, we will be left behind. The aerotrain situation at KLIA is one example as well as the current predicament faced by MAS, which failed to periodically refresh their fleet. But a fast-paced work-life does bring unwanted pressures and anxieties that may lead to health issues. For example, long hours may tire us so much that we have little leisure time leading to little family time or lack of exercise, causing mental as well as physical issues.

If it is possible, we should all work at the speed of joy, a pace that brings us joy, especially the joy of the Lord that comes from loving Him. In John 15:9-11, Jesus taught us the following:

NIV 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Perhaps it is not possible when we are starting out in our career when we are learning the ropes. Let’s pray that the day will come when the Lord will open the door for us so we may work at the speed of joy, with a worklife balance that safeguards our health, our family relationships, our mental state and our spiritual walk and service to God.