The Labor Of Love

Work Hard, Play Hard! It’s a common stock phrase for most Americans. However, the “work hard” part of the equation tends to overshadow the latter. Hard work, we know, has a tendency of leaving us overwhelmed, tired, and frustrated. All that, despite the fact that we just celebrated Labor Day. It’s an annual ode to the massive amount of labor we put into our careers on a daily basis.

For many, the celebrated day off amounts to nothing more than a day to enjoy family, friends, BBQs, bocce ball, touch-football and laughter. Labor Day tends to represent the day set aside to remember how hard we work. It’s a reminder that rest is indeed a necessary thing.

Oddly enough, we’re already awarded a day of rest—one out of 7 days every week of the year! Our Creator knew what was best for us before we were but a twinkle in His eye! Why is it, then, that so many people labor incessantly? They rarely, if ever, take time to play, rest, or enjoy the many gifts before us each morning. It’s in our time of rest and play that we become rejuvenated and refreshed for the work ahead. Frequently, I hear people talking about how hard they work. I, too, have been known utter the same complaints. For some, however, the labor never ends.

On this momentous day of celebration, let us be reminded of the word labor. Particularly, let us consider how it applies to the preparation for the birth of a child. Thirteen years and 24 hours of deep breathing and pushing later, I gave birth to my son—a few hours past “Labor Day” albeit I was in Labor all of Labor Day! I couldn’t help but notice the almost comical similarities. Whether we’re drawing up presentations, attending meetings, revising budgets, or wooing potential clients, in the end, I discovered it was worth the pain. Paycheck in hand, the addition of a new client, or the blessing of a promotion or raise—pain has a way of releasing gifts! The hard work we put into preparing for the birth of something new or improved pays off… and the same applies to the amount of labor we put into our health.

Becoming healthy does not come with a promise that the work will be pain-free. Anything worth doing, after all, is worth doing well. In the same way we pour our hearts into the making of amazing results, we push, contract, release, and reap hearty rewards. Working out, of course, has a tendency to leave in its wake sore muscles, aches, and pain. The outcome, however, shines through with increased energy, healthier skin, longevity, and a healthy sense of self-esteem. Onlookers, of course, will enjoy what they see. All this attributed to exercise, proper eating, and the rewards of your labor! Positive thoughts and the ability to endear yourself to others will enhance your ability to win friends and influence others for the better.

Exercise, healthy eating, positive thinking, and the ability to treat yourself and others with respect come together to bring out the best in you! Laboring for the purpose of making healthy choices will offer great rewards in the end.

Give it a try—Take charge of your destiny by taking care of you to become Visibly Fit™ for all to see. The results could give birth to a new and improved YOU and change your outlook to laboring with love.