The Value of Hard Work

Through time, the privilege of homeschooling has provided us several opportunities to teach our children skills and values that seem to be getting lost in our society. The one I am focusing on in today's reading is the value of hard work.

Everywhere we turn, it seems that this is a quality that is going by the wayside. The construction foreman complains that he can't find able bodied people that want to do more than goof off on the job and get paid for it. The businessman has trouble hiring a secretary that will do more than play card games on her computer all day. The mother complains that she doesn't want to make things too difficult for her daughter as it will tarnish her spirit. All these stories are ones that have graced my ears in the last few weeks, so I know these are things you all are hearing as well. It seems now more than ever, we can create successful adults by teaching the value of hard work to our children when they are young.

Here is one way that we have recently put that into practice in our home, with our boys.

While we were in California, there was an awful ice storm that grasped our area of the country. There were many that were without power for several days and most trees were damaged to one degree or another, many were completely destroyed. That was about three weeks ago and we are making the most of our firewood pile for next year.

We have made several loads around town to pick up wood, most of which will need to be cut into firewood size, and adding it to our wood pile. The boys each got a new saw and safety glasses and off to work they go. The greatest challenge as a parent is to get them to work with a willing and grateful heart. I think even a lot of us adults have challenges with that.

At $80.00 a rick, this hard work has saved our family a lot of money for next year. We burn at least two ricks a year.

FIVE REASON TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO WORK HARD

1. God calls us to be hard workers
I Thessalonians 4:11 and II Thessalonians 3:10 come to mind but there are so many others.

2. Physical labor is a constructive way to work off teenage frustrations and excess body fat.
God wants us to take care of our bodies, as well.

3. When a child works for the good of the family, they feel a HUGE part of the unit.
This is essential in a society where families are falling apart.

4. Often, when working hard, we are able to bless someone outside of our own family.

5. In our society, if we help our children to become hard working individuals with a great attitude, they will truly be successful throughout their lives.

These are just a few reasons. There are so many more. I hope you will ponder these things. I have thought about them a lot over the past several weeks, how I can implement this and do better working hard myself.

...That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you... I Thessalonians 4:11

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. II Thessalonians 3:10

Many encouragements in the Lord,
Suzie