Hard work fulfills me in two ways. First, it lets me know that I earned my rest at the end of the day because I have added something to the world around me. Hopefully, my addition will make a difference in someone’s life. Tiredness in my bones and soul after a hard day’s work helps me feel that I have value and worth, and I seek ways to validate my presence in this world.
Second, hard work means that I am pulling my part of the weight, not waiting to be given anything. I think it is so important to teach children early to make their bed, to do chores, and to do it well the first time. I remember once my oldest son said he had finished cleaning the kitchen.
Admittedly, everything looked nice and spiffy. But, from instinct or a mother’s natural suspicion, I checked the oven, and sure enough, there were dishes, pots, and pans in there. It was about two in the morning, but I woke him up. He complained that he had to go to school the next day. That excuse didn’t phase me one bit. I made him redo the kitchen, including mopping the floor, and I went to bed. I told him I would keep getting him up until the job was done well.
When I heard him go to bed nearly an hour later, I checked the kitchen again, and it was immaculate. He must have shared this with his siblings because the quality of their housework increased. The kitchen was always just right. No one wanted to be awakened in the night. Today, he paints houses for a living and can appreciate the lesson. I told my children to do it well the first time. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and saves a lot of time.
Hard work pays off. It leaves you with a sense of being valuable and lets you know that you worked for what you have; it was not just given to you. There is peace in doing a job well, being acknowledged for the accomplishment, and feeling that you have value in this world. The photo above is of a gift I received from a student at the end of a difficult semester for her. I keep it to remind myself that hard work pays off. It says, ” To the world, you are just one person, but to one person, you could mean the world.” Fulfillment and peace for a job well done is the ultimate joy.
Help from Heaven 
Such an inspiring post Regina. As my father in law used to say: anything worth doing is worth doing well.
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