Work, Glorious Work

-One of the church talks was about the importance of hard work. It got me thinking. I realized that I truly love work! It's not that I actually thrive on housework, or adore spreading manure in my garden, but I get such satisfaction seeing what I can accomplish with some effort and tenacity. Hard work is rewarding physically too. What a blessing to have a body that can lift things, move and endure labor. My mom has MS. She told me one day when I was feeling frazzled, "It can be tiresome to be busy and have too much to do. But having nothing to do is worse." The more I think on that, the more blessed I feel to do what I do every day.
-I also started thinking of the many projects I've done and things I've learned through hard work. If I had known how much time and effort it was going to take to make my rock mosaic, I might not have attempted it. Thank goodness I had no idea, because I love that mosaic, and learned so much doing it. The summit is more rewarding after the climb.

-Working hard together also creates great friendships and binds people and families together. I remember many times when I needed to talk with my dad and he would say, "Come help me weed the grapes and we'll talk." The closeness I felt to him as I shared my worries and thoughts while working alongside him is a great treasure to me.

-I often think of how I want my life to be when it comes to a close and I look back on the days I spent here on this wonderful earth. I don't want it to be: Every day was a breeze and things always went smoothly for me. I never had a struggle and I did very little, but took it easy. Rather, I would prefer this scenario: Look at all I've accomplished and experienced! And because of hard work and God's constant help, look at all I've overcome! Life was an adventure and I worked and served to the fullest! I have labored to make my little corner of the world clean and beautiful. I have literally survived tornados, valcanos, illness, deaths of loved ones, and so much more. It was challenging but I did it, and it was so worth it.

-I'm trying to create the same appreciation and value for work in my children. Life is more joyful when we can find joy in every aspect of it. Here's to hard work!