Are You a Hard Worker?
When you think of “hard work,” what do you think of? Some of you may be thinking of a job, while others may be thinking of day-to-day tasks. Whatever it is, being a hard worker is a fantastic trait to have.
I work at a barn, so my days are filled with physical labor and intense Florida sun. I have to muck stalls daily and care for all of the horses, what we horse people call “barn chores.”
Some days are brutal and extremely difficult to get the job done, while others are a breeze. I am sure even if you do not work outside, you can relate!
Being a hard worker does not always mean physically exerting yourself. It means going above and beyond and giving your all to whatever task is at hand. For me, it is having a purpose behind what you are working towards and serving out of passion and drive. It is a mindset to do your very best and give all you can to a specific job or task.
Lately, I have been pondering my work ethic and where it came from. When I was a little girl, my dad always taught me that when you are doing anything, you must do it right the first time so you don’t have to go back and do it again. This was a life lesson I carried into my adulthood and has shaped who I am today when I am working on anything.
Now, when I work on a job or muck a stall, I want it to be perfect. If I miss a spot in the stall and try to walk away, everything in me screams until I go get it picked up. Yes, there is a chance I am also hearing my dad say, “Do it right the first time.” (I also may be a little crazy about wanting it perfect!)
Another lesson he taught me was “smarter not harder.” Anytime I am doing something that can be done in a better way, I am reminded of that phrase. My mom would always say, “Always try your best, and have faith in the rest.” This reminded me to give what I can and then give the rest up to God.
These are not just phrases to me; they are life lessons that have been engraved into my character and who I am. They have helped mold me into a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual hard worker. They have taught me to always work with passion, drive, and wisdom.
I am grateful that I had my family to encourage me and teach me these traits along the way, but I want to be a voice that speaks into you and gives you the motivation to get out there and give it your all.
The Bible teaches, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
What a beautiful reminder that our mindset should be focused on serving our God. Everything that we do is for Him! Every time I go that extra mile, I must remember it is God that I am doing it for, bringing honor and glory to His Name!
Whether it’s mucking a stall, playing a sport, riding a horse, working on a computer, or whatever it may be (fill in the blank for you), it is all for the glory of God, and I must work at it with my whole heart.
Journal Prompt:
In what areas of your life can you choose to go that extra mile? Do you feel you are a hard worker, and if so, where did you learn these traits?
Ref. Proverbs 16:3, 1 Corinthians 10:31
