Hard Is Good

Hard makes us stronger, humbles us, and gives us a chance to prove ourselves. In the world of nature, hard is part of the circle of life. It is hard for a baby chick to hatch out of that tough eggshell. But when someone tries to make it easier, the chick does not develop the strength necessary to live. The struggle of a butterfly to escape the cocoon strengthens it for the life it will live. Similarly, when we face challenges, we have an opportunity to grow stronger. A financial planner related the following; "Most of my work was with multimillionaires who owned their own businesses. Almost all of them had created their successful businesses from lots of hard work. The saddest thing for me was to hear some of them say that they wanted to make it easier for their children. They did not want their children to suffer as they had. In other words, they would deprive their children of the very thing that had made them successful". 

There is definitely something to be said for working hard. When I was a teenager, my dad told me that if I wanted to go to college, I would either have to pay for it myself, get a scholarship, or a loan.  My dad had the means to pay for not only my education, but the education of all my siblings, as well. However, he wanted to teach me how to work.  I started cleaning houses when I was 13 years old. At 14, I taught swimming lessons to kids in my backyard pool, then went on to lifeguard, teach fitness classes, and coach swimming. By the time I had reached college age, I had a small savings and I'd be darned if I didn't do well in school since it was MY hard earned money I was spending. That was one of the best lessons I've ever learned. Today, I enjoy working hard. Whether it's working hard in my workouts, as a wife and mother, or serving in my church and community. Hard work is good for us. It makes us stronger, more disciplined, and prepares us for greater challenges. Just like lifting heavy weights consistently will challenge our muscles, which respond by increasing in size and strength, our challenges WILL strengthen us.

Work hard and be well.  

BHW