WORK HARD and play hard.

 Everyone has heard of the following quotes and phrases “work hard play hard” or maybe “work now play later”, I believe there is a deeper life lesson as to why it’s in that specific order, work then play. In life it's inevitable to work, to be tried, to do hard things. When it comes to work, and hard work specifically, there are things we can learn. I argue that hard work can help us see people as they truly are, helps us grow self-confidence, and can better prepare us to serve and help others.

Working reveals our true colors: In class we discussed together about the importance of working, working as a couple and working as a family. This conversation was right down my alley. I grew up in the midwest, Missouri, with my hardworking and diligent family. Growing up we were often reminded that two of the most important decisions we make in this life are 1.) Who we marry, and 2.) and the friends we choose. In addition, my father often told me to choose my friends based on not how fun they are when we are playing and hanging out, but instead to watch and see how they act when they work. The principle behind this wisdom is that when we “play” it is easy to put on a smile, the stakes are low, everyone is just out to have a good time. On the other hand, when we work the stress level increases, people will be frustrated- it is when people are working and frustrated when they will reveal their true colors. Do they cuss and get violent? Do they lose their mind or keep it on their shoulders?  Are they calm and patient? Being in stressful and rigorous situations helps people choose to take the natural and normal route- to go berserk, or to learn and become better- self control. 

Work helps us gain self confidence: Working hard gives us purpose and self-confidence. Have you ever known anyone who has retired early and hated it? I for sure know several people who are in that boat. One of my friends is a retired colonel from theUnited states Army, I have helped him throughout summers on many several projects and occasions. The secret is that the man is 80 years old! He is still doing electrical, plumbing, construction, moving couches, and many more back breaking activities. I interview him last summer for a class assignment on how he has the energy to keep on going, this was his response,  

“Well I will tell you that about two years before I retired a couple of my friends who were lieutenant colonel's they were retired and in two years they were both dead they just went home sat down and did nothing. and that's been somewhat of an example to me I just I just felt like you can't just , you gotta keep having goals plans and ideas and follow through and that's that's why we're here and as you know I'm trying to build a house right now I'm nearly 79 years old I don't want to quit I just want to keep going and keep going. physically I don't do that as well as I used to now, but I know if I were to sit down and do nothing I'd deteriorate so much quicker. You know I would just hurry so much quicker so I believe that my drive and ambition is still there and it helps me with  achieving my goals I get her done this my whole attitude whatever it takes.”

I believe that we, as humans, will and do live long and happier lives when we are fulfilling the measure of our creation, when we are using our bodies, spirits, and minds to their potential. I know that it is when we overcome seemingly impossible obstacles when we gain confidence, talent and purpose.

Hard work prepares us to serve others: As we overcome hardships we gain wisdom and experience that we can use to help and guide others. Why are older people so wise? It is because they’ve lived long lives full of myriad failures and accomplishments. There is a church hymn that I love Because I have been Much. In this hymn it states Because I have been given much I too must give. I know that God gives us all personal experiences for a reason, I also know that God puts people in our path for a reason; I believe that it's for us to lean on each other. Like the song “lean on me”, when we lack experience those who have worked and gone through hard experiences have the strength to lend to help us through. 

People should not be afraid to work hard. The results of hard work are uncountable. Through hard work we can grow strong relationships with those around us, we will find purpose, and we can help others who are struggling to navigate the path we’ve once been.