I could see it in the other students’ eyes. Envy. Not the green-eyed monster kind of envy, but the respectful admiration they, too, hoped to earn someday.

We, the graduating class of Slidell High, were lining up in the school’s main hallway to practice for graduation – the big event we thought would never come. Noticing the admiring looks from our underclassmen, we enjoyed the satisfaction our perseverance had earned.

If we hadn’t persisted in studying and doing our homework (even when we didn’t feel like it), we would have missed out on that enviable pride and satisfaction that come with dedication and hard work.

In the years since, I wonder how many of my fellow graduates share my frustration for the times we haven’t practiced that same perseverance. For the times we’ve allowed procrastination to steal other milestones we could have experienced.

But it’s still not too late.

And it’s still not too late for you.

As we celebrate Labor Day, let’s remember the rewarding feelings we’ve experienced each time we reached a goal and allow those memories to motivate us to stay more disciplined and focused.

How could asking God to reveal the plans we’ve set aside – or the ones He still has for us – reignite our passion for life?

How rewarding would it be to finally earn your GED, apply for that promotion, start your own business or ministry or dust off the manuscript you haven’t finished?

Living productive lives leads to sweeter days – and better lives. Read Psalm 128:2 (ESV):

You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

How about it?

• Have you strayed from something God placed on your heart?
• What about that dream that once kept you awake with excitement?
• What goal have you set aside that, through prayer and focus, could become a reality?

Wouldn’t now be a great time to seek God about it? Or maybe you’d like to explore another dream you’ve been mulling over.

Perhaps finding an accountability partner to help you stay focused would be an effective first step. As we trust God in our labor, there’s something about the respect and admiration we receive from others that’s healthy and motivating. Enviable, even.

The self-respect we gain by the end of the day will make our efforts worthwhile and our lives more fulfilling. Yet, there’s an even deeper reward for each time we persevere toward a goal:

The reward of sensing the proud smile of our heavenly Father cheering us on and saying, “Well done, my child.”

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• How would you answer the questions listed under “How about it?” in this post?
• What do you think about these two sentences that appeared at the end of the post? (What feelings do they stir within you?):

“Yet, there’s an even deeper reward for each time we persevere toward a goal:

The reward of sensing the proud smile of our heavenly Father cheering us on and saying, “Well done, my child.”’

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