A Labor of Love

“Hard work is painful when life is devoid of purpose.??But when you live for something greater than yourself and the gratification of your own ego,?then hard work becomes a labor of love.”??- S. Pavlina

It was about 2:15 yesterday afternoon that I got the call.?I was walking off the 18th green, and her question was short and simple.??“I’m heading back down to Weaver’s, do you think Norris (the Club’s Executive Chef) would like a peck of peaches?”??Peach season has arrived, and my wife was heading back to the orchard for the second time today.?Her first trip occurred earlier this morning and from the looks of things it was quite fruitful (Get it??Orchards/fruits.).?She arrived about 45 minutes later and gave me the fruit which I then delivered to Chef.?He smiled and said,?"Homemade peach Ice cream will be on the menu later this week!”?Chef then asked if he could pay her for the fruit.?I smiled and said,?“No, for Shirlee, picking fruit is a labor of love.”??

What is your labor of love??Perhaps you have more than one.?The term is defined as,?“a labor voluntarily undertaken or performed without consideration of any benefit or reward.”?One of my labors of love is writing this Sunday blog, another is serving my Church and a third?is sitting on the Board of a school that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.?Interestingly, I have found through my experiences and reading that while the actions are taken without consideration for reward or benefits, they do exist.

Having a labor of love enhances our life. They enable us to engage in an activity or pursuit that we are deeply passionate about and genuinely enjoy.?Labors of love are varied, it might be a hobby, a creative project, a personal mission, or even a career we are passionate about.?How might a labor of love enhance your life??They can provide:

• ?Increased Happiness and Fulfillment:?Engaging in something you love brings joy and satisfaction. The feeling of accomplishment and progress can boost your overall happiness and well-being.
• Sense of Purpose:?Having a labor of love helps you define a sense of purpose and direction in life.?Knowing that you have something meaningful to work on is a great way to start the day
• Stress Reduction: Immersing yourself in a labor of love can act as a stress-reliever. It serves as a form of escapism from the daily grind, helping you relax and unwind.
• Improved Mental Health: Pursuing something you love can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and it may even act as a form of therapy.
• Social Connection: Having a labor of love often brings you into contact with others who share your passion. This can lead to the formation of new and meaningful friendships?
• Boosted Creativity: Passion fuels creativity. When you love what you do, you're more likely to push the boundaries of what you can achieve.
• Resilience and Determination:When you truly love what you're doing, you're more likely to persevere in the face of obstacles.
• Legacy and Impact:?Your labor of love can leave a lasting impact on the world. The fulfillment of leaving a positive mark can be profound.

Having a labor of love enriches our lives in so many ways.?Likewise, if your actions can serve others, and make their lives better in some small way, it feels incredibly meaningful. At one point or other we will all ask the question,?“What purpose has my life served?”?The answer will be different for each of us, but having a labor of love can contribute significantly to a well-lived and gratifying life.

Embrace the Challenge