Work Ethic and Workaholics

Work in today's society is just that - work. It is considered drudgery and is looked upon with disdain. have a sinking feeling that our generation and the ones that follow are getting a false understanding of what work ethic is and how it should be viewed. The youth of today feel that no joy can be found in work. I wholeheartedly disagree. Though I understand and recognize that I am in a unique position of working in an area I love and have studied from the tender age of seven, I feel that in whatever job you happen to find yourself, you are able to come away with at least some sense of satisfaction and pleasure. As my mom and I were talking about this subject just this afternoon, she brought up a good point. God instituted work immediately in the Garden of Eden. He instructed Adam to tend and care for the garden. And it was a request that was met with acceptance and pleasure, until sin entered, upon which time work became work. There are now trials in work, frustrations, difficulites, and obstacles to overcome. However, does that mean that our attitude should reflect those tough times and we that we are somehow 'entitled' to hate the very thought of work? I don't believe so. We are saved by grace through faith, and with our new life in Christ we are able to bear all things, for I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I don't always feel it, but I know it and I must hold on to that knowledge.
Even though I disagree with the belief that a job is to be considered drudgery and something to be despised, I also feel that there is a limit to how much we should be involved in our jobs. This is the area of weakness in my life.
Work has a hold on me and I am unable to escape its grasp, to break free. The business is not where I want it to be. I want it to be better; no, I want it to be the best. Even though it is great as it is and has made remarkable improvements, I see its potential and I continually strive for it - I get up early, come home late, I work on my days off. I sometimes fall short of the daily expectations I have for myself, causing undue frustration, headaches, and overall feeling of failure. I find it very difficult to leave work at work. I come home worrying about this or that, thinking of all I must get done the next day, etc. Though my boss loves me for being so dedicated and commited, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and exhausted, both mentally and physically. What I need to learn is balance. I have worked so hard these past 7 1/2 years to become the best employee I could be and to make my boss and the business a success. But there must be a limit. I cannot let my relationships suffer because of my career, and I cannot continually allow my career to occupy my thoughts. I want my life to center around my Lord rather than my job. This is my prayer and my desire, that I may be known for my virtue more than my career.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" ~ James 1:5