09/17/2024
A piece I wrote in 2021. File this under Grit.
"Good Work."
Aaron's swim coach told him "good work" on his swimming today. I replayed that video over and over because of my joy seeing him swim in 12ft of water but Cam's words of "good work" stood out to me. He didn't say good job. He said good WORK.
Work. It is something that can be very hard to do especially when it seems you will be doing it all alone. So many times I've seen a task laid before me and opted to either roll up my sleeves and get to it or simply grab my things and move on. Cam had to push Aaron off the diving board today or else it would be another week of him running off. This time, I grabbed our in-house swim coach, Ariana, and we went over to encourage him. While he still needed a gentle push, the pride on his face when he finally got out of the pool was one that proved he knew he could do hard things. He simply needed a nudge (and support). He worked for this accomplishment. Scared and all, he did it.
My kids continue to teach me about being scared but doing the work anyway. I am often amazed at their resiliency although I know it comes from me doing life with them. They put me to work. But those words today really hit home mainly because work is often ongoing and tiresome. It can go unnoticed and it can oftentimes lead to uncomfortable growth.
I think of the work that was done for me and the unfinished work. The work I didn't say thank you for. The work I overlooked. My own work. Then I think of:
How I need a big push at times.
How I stare adversity in the face and determine to dive anyway, even if I go at it alone.
How sometimes I really just needed support and encouragement.
How I hope my Comforter meets me at the end of my lap and tells me "good work".
I want to submit work that can make me and my Father in Heaven proud. Good, Faithful Work.
