"Work and Play" by Norma Bassett Hall

All lines and shapes direct the eye to these three children playing in the shadow of the house. Each is hunched over with intense interest and concentration on the task at hand.

On a roof above them, as almost an afterthought, three adults are engaged in their own work. The sun lights up their forms, beset by the lovely green of lush leaves.

As I contemplate these parallel figures, I am reminded of two famous statements: Maria Montessori's famous quote "Play is the work of the child." and the old adage of Confucius, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

I am pleased that the children take center stage in this image. Too often their actions are dismissed, the spirit with which they do their work forgotten when the responsibilities of adulthood become essential aspects of our lives. As we strive to put food on the table, pay the bills, and save for a rainy day, we can forget that work can be fun and personally engaging and fulfilling, as well as productive. This image reminds me to take pleasure in the day to day challenges presented by both my career and daily chores.