There’s no question that the world’s economy has taken a hit over the last 6 weeks.

But for most people, the question is not the world’s economy but their own, personal economy: their own livelihood, work, and money.

Vocation is usually a word we use to describe work. “I’m an engineer.” “She’s an architect.” “Joe has a construction business.”

A vocation is something we’re called to do. And while it includes a whole lot of things (family, faith, and friendships, among others) it certainly does include your work.

One of the unfortunate terms that’s come to be used to a distinction between “essential” and “non-essential” work. And that’s regrettable.

Because non-essential work doesn’t stay around very long. Any work that’s being done for more than a few days is essential. Hard stop.

The political class likes to imagine that they can verify what things are essential to our lives and our world.

They can’t. No one is that smart.

And while I’m very happy to have nurses and doctors and respiratory technicians around to do their work, people such as that are not the only “essential” workers. Far from it.

If someone is willing to pay you for what you do, you are valued. And essential.

That includes people who do furniture repair and truckers bar owners and plumbers and electricians.

We need to stop using the word non-essential. Using it sends the wrong message to millions and millions of people.

Whatever you do is essential. And if you’re being forbidden from doing your work now, I hope that changes. And very soon.