Labor is God's Education

I am currently reading an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson entitled "Man the Reformer." Emerson is very, very wise. His essays are full of thick, full and meaty sentences that you have to chew to eventually swallow. You have to read his sentences more than once. You have to cut the thick delicious flavor bursting filet mignon in small bites and savor the delicious word choice and savory thought provoking ideas.

He writes that "Labor is God's education." I agree. Labor gives a person a sense of pride that nothing else can substitute for. It teaches him the value of hard work, sacrifice, effort and even suffering. I need to pass this down to my grandchildren in both words and in actions. Whenever I can, I need to encourage them to help and to do hard things. To be both brave in the learning and to be patient in waiting for the fruits of labor.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes about the value and honor of labor.

"A man is not paid for having a head and hands, but for using them."

"I learned the value of hard work by working hard."

"Genius begins great works; labor alone finishes them."

"There is honor in labor. Work is the medicine of the soul. It is more: it is your very life, without which you would amount to little."