How much is enough?

A picture of a rice field in Sameang, Chiang Mai. 

Today I had a long conversation with a senior female friend. In Thai we call "Pee Sao" this mean I see her as my elder sister (a non-biological one).  It has been quite long since we last talked. Both of us have changed during the years and we both noticed and acknowledged how time have shaped both of us. We chatted about our lives and how we were doing. One of the interesting topic was her small complain about how busy and stress she was in doing various works and projects (she has her own small women garment shop, now has a small farm and is active in the local community co-op). Thank you God. For the opposite as a theological student on summer break, waiting for a visa to do internship aboard I was more than vacant to talk to her for almost an hour.

Honestly, I really think it is good for people to be serious with their job. This mean to really put effort into what they are doing but it doesn't mean you fall into obsession, stress or depression.

The point here is how much is enough? The line is mostly drawn by each individual experience or measure. In the Thai mindset which is based on the motto "ตนเป็นที่พึ่งแห่งตน" (one is him/her self reliance) the concept of self support, self achievement, self realization is attached deeply in our heads. And as a Christian, who rely on God the question is how much effort should we put into what we are doing? Does it really matter? Since God has his plan for us and everything is within God' will and timing. This concept of dependence still ring alerts in my tiny Thai head. As an average Thai citizen growing up a "everything is a result of your action" orientated society. Yes! I do know that they are Thais that blame pass (previous life) Karma for their misfortune but for the good it is yourself that made the path or diligence is the way out of poverty. You must study hard, work hard, push yourself to the limit to be successful and have a good life. In the end we Thai might be considered as "humanist" so the concept of dependence on God does confuse my mind.

My beloved teacher loves icons

One of my beloved Acharn (Teacher) in seminary told me that in the New Testament. All of Jesus miracles were results of a cooperation between humans and the divine Jesus. Humans had for even though a small part such as preparing the water, gathering the food or just simply caring out but all those simply tiny things matter. God's work with us is like a covenant, it requires both sides. Even though God might have the bigger part in it we humans still have to contribute on our half as well.

So how much is our best and how much is pushing too hard? When do we cross the line of depending on ourselves more than God?

I simply replied to my sister that if your best effort has a negative effect among others that means your crossed the line. If you work so hard to the point that you do not have time or you get moody while with your love ones then that mean you overdue yourself or if you drive your coworkers into anger that is also a sign of overdoing and that is when you have to slow down, put your foot of the paddle and knee down to pray and trust God that he will provide and now is working to help you on his will and way.

That is doing our best.