The eulogy spoke of a life of sweat and hard labor, and concluded with the comforting thought that now his work is ended. But is it, really?
A common theme in ghost stories is the idea of a spirit returning to settle unfinished business. Perhaps there was a life's mission left incomplete, or a message that needed to be given, or a loved one who needed guidance. Popular culture has embraced these ideas in movies such as Ghost (1990), Field of Dreams (1989) and the comedy Heart and Souls (1993). In the movies, TV shows, and books, the ghost typically prompts the living to complete the mission, and then dissolves into heavenly light.
Nikki: Unfinished business. That's always why ghosts come back.
— Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Outside of popular culture, however, we seldom get such a satisfying ending. Paranormal investigators find ghosts continuing to labor away in coal mines, factories, restaurants, and steel mills. People catch glimpses of workers dressed in century-old clothing, or hear the sounds of labor echoing in the still hours before dawn. For some souls, one lifetime of toil was not enough.
— Ecclesiastes 1:8, KJV
When disconnected from both life and the afterlife, some spirits return to what is most familiar, or what gave their earthly life meaning. For many people, their work is synonymous with their identity. Even if their life was simple labor, it was who they were. Even now, many people spend more hours of their life at work than with their loved ones or pursuing their personal mission. Does this sound familiar? It is good to pursue meaningful work, but always set the intention for your spirit to a higher purpose. Remember that your work is something that you do, not something that you are. With this resolve, your vocation remains a blessing and not a curse.