At an earlier age, my daughter became grumpy during our family chores at home over the weekend.  She said, "Dad, I wish we lived in a world where no one worked."

I paused and thought to myself for a second. I replied, "That's great. What would you do with all that time?"

"I don't know. I'd probably watch a lot of TV and eat snacks."

 

I paused for a second. "Well, you wouldn't be able to do that."

She looked puzzled. "Why not?"

 

"Well, TV's wouldn't exist."

 

"Why not?"

 

"Well, someone would have had to work to make them. And since no one works, no TVs. Sorry."

 

"Well, I guess I'd just eat snacks then."

 

"What would you eat?"

 

"I don't know...Cheez-Its. Goldfish."

 

"Well, those don't exist either."

 

My daughter starts to get a little flustered. "Why NOT?"

 

"Well, both of those are made from flour and cheese. And then they are cooked. Someone would have to do that. You know…"

 

(Sigh.) "Work."

 

Basically, I explained that really she'd be stuck on an episode of Survivor. No shelter, picking berries and coconuts off trees. And in order to get those, she'd have to…

 

You get the idea.

 

The foundation of "work" is close to the core of our very being. To a secondary degree, it is what defines us. It is how we identify ourselves. It is our craft. The statement of "what we do" is only secondary to "who we are".

 

The fruits of labor come at the end of each day, week, month, year. Many work to provide for themselves and their family. But beyond that, it is the effort we put in that allows us to enjoy the time set aside to relax, enjoy time with your family and friends, and eat meals for nourishment. It is a time to reap what you sow, seeing one's triumph at the end of every day. 

 

Growing up, I remember my father's arrival home as an example of this pillar. I remember on many occasions his coming into the house and hanging up his trenchcoat. He generally had a pile of paperwork that he would drag in with the idea of perusing later. You could simply tell that he was mentally exhausted after a long day. He would lay down on the couch for a little bit of time while dinner was prepared by my mother. After my dad retired, he handed down his set of trenchcoats to me as my travels during cold weather needed a heavy coat to go over my suit. Every day while I wear one, I aspire to be the put forth that same effort he did during a long work day.

 

Physical and Mental Work

 

Imagine running with no end. Eventually the body would tire out and you'd be resigned to stop. Those who physically labor reach a point of exhaustion. Likewise, those who work more of a mental work day eventually tire out as well. The reward at the end of that day is earned and taken.  But the reward wouldn't feel earned without the effort that goes into what precedes it.

 

Every day should be pursued with the goal to earn that reward. With exception of the Lord's Sabbath, each day we should aim to give of ourselves and build upon the previous day's success.

 

I understand that most of us feel that we are overworked. That's understandable. It's hard to imagine giving more than you already do. Let me ask you...Does the work you put in fulfill a passion, find life's purpose? Is it fulfilling? Does it feel as if a difference is being made?

 

The analogy I may reference here is one you may have heard before. A glass jar is placed out in front of a  group of students. The teacher starts to fill it with large rocks and then asks if it is full. When the class says "yes", the teacher then goes to smaller rocks and asks again. After each time when the class says "yes", the teacher then goes to pebbles, sand, and even water to prove a point that more can be given from each of us.
 

The sand and water can be reflective of that little extra that we can all do. It's not so much the task. It's the little things. It's the attitude you bring to your day. It's the smile you provide a co-worker. It's the small favor you provide going out of your way for someone.

 

A theoretical painting or artwork is what we design from our efforts. Be proud of what you pursue, whatever that may be. Make it your own.

 

Now look who takes notice…

Hear from Bradford Gosky about (duh!) the origin of the Hard Work pillar: Pillar: "Hard Work" - Introduction/Narrative | The IniGO Pillars