The Blessing of Work – A Shout Out for Labor Day

Last week, Peggy Noonan put up an editorial in the WSJ that was beautiful in its description of the blessing of work as part of a celebration of Labor Day. I liked these parts of the article:

A job isn’t only a means to a paycheck, it’s more. “To work is to pray,” the old priests used to say. God made us as many things, including as workers. When you work you serve and take part. To work is to be integrated into the daily life of the nation. There is pride and satisfaction in doing work well, in working with others and learning a discipline or a craft or an art. To work is to grow and to find out who you are.

This is so true. It’s true of any wholesome work. It’s especially felt in entrepreneurship where the raw reality of creation is directly visible.

In return for performing your duties, whatever they are, you receive money that you can use freely and in accordance with your highest desire. A job allows you the satisfaction of supporting yourself or your family, or starting a family. Work allows you to renew your life, which is part of the renewing of civilization.

One of the greatest satisfactions of an entrepreneur is to see the business provide for its people, the individuals and the families. The greatness that comes as employees build lives outside the company is beautiful to behold.

How have you seen the blessing of work in your life?