Labor of Love

To work is a privilege for not all people who want to find a job were blessed to have one. And if you are fortunate to have a work, may you do it diligently. There is a promise written on Proverbs 16:3 that say “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” It is nice to know that God would put order on our plans when we work as if He is our boss.

If you are the head of the family and you are working, then you will be able to support your family’s needs and even wants. It says in 1 Timothy 5:8 “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives and especially for their own household has denied the faith and is worse than unbeliever.” So, it’s a great responsibility to be the provider of the family.

I’ve known of a father who is a carpenter. He is our family’s carpenter and repair man since my college days. If he has no job as a carpenter, he drives a tricyboat to augment his family’s needs. When their children were still little, his wife takes care of them. When the kids are in school, she accepts laundry service from neighbors. Through their meager income they were able to send their three children in public school from elementary up to high school. The eldest and the middle child were able to find a menial job after high school. Only the youngest was able to pursue a two-year college course as a working student. She was able to work as a cashier in one of the malls in the city but sad to say after her contract ended she was left without a job and still awaiting calls for job openings. The eldest was already married and has three kids who live nearby. The grandmother takes care of the children. Sad to say, two of the kids are sickly and needs medical attention every now and then. Hence, the parents need financial assistance. Thus, the carpenter though his children are all grown-up now still works and helps provide for their growing family. And that’s what I call labor of love.

As a worker, may we be reminded of this verse from Colossians 3:23 that say “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for men.” Said verse could also apply to housewives who feel tired sometimes of doing household chores at home. I also recall a saying that my favorite teacher in college mentioned to us, that says “Love the work you have and you will never have to work a day into your life.” With that, may we find meaning and happiness in all our works and endeavors in life. (Bing Orbeta-Robles)