Sharing the load

Sebastian Galipo (any resemblance between this name and a real person is true) had been working very hard in his little one-man business of delivering fruit juice. He would come home tired, was often late and exhausted for our fortnightly meeting, frequently had to apologise for his absence. But there was not enough work for two people. So he set about working even harder, and built up his little business. When the volume of work made it manageable, he took on his cousin as a partner. Now his load is shared. He still works hard but somehow the extreme pressure is off.

I used to work hard, trying to do all the work that came my way, and always on the look-out for more. Little by little I was exhausting myself. The day came when I wore myself almost to a standstill. I had no reserves and it was a long haul back to recovery. The route was painful but not without its compensations. Finally I think I am well again. In fact I can say I even look well.

One day I met Mr. Galipo, Sebastian's father, at his grand-child's baptism. He said to me with a note of appreciation in his voice: "My word, Father, you do look well. How do you manage to keep looking so young?" "Well," I said in a confidential tone, "I have taken a leaf out of Sebastian's book. I too have taken on a partner. I leave half of my work to the Lord."

Dear Lord, please don't think me cheeky, but it is really the other way round: You allow me to imagine that I am doing something. Amen.