Satisfaction in life is more than a feel good!
I will admit, maybe not readily, that I’m a child of the 60s and enjoyed for a short time playing in a rock band. I was raised by an incredible Air Force mom, my dad flew B-52’s in Vietnam, who always taught me that if I was going to do anything to do my best! She would always say a job worth doing is always a job worth doing well!
Yet, the reality for many is that today’s generation growing up doesn’t have much of an example of the benefits of working hard and seeing the end result. I was totally impressed with one of my older teens who has been helping me do concrete work over the last few months. After our last job he made the comment or asked the question if it was wrong to feel good about your accomplishments in life? I said no its actually a good thing to take pride in your work and have a sense of satisfaction when you finish.
He made the remark that at our most recent painting project he saw the condition of the church we were doing, which wasn’t great and then was amazed at the end result. The church was transformed by having 60 helpers and he was one of the early risers that made it possible for everyone else to participate.
One of the great opportunities in life is to show others by your example, not by berating them, that it’s ok to take pride in your work, don’t be prideful and then to have a healthy sense of accomplishment. I know that my teen friend and now partner in painting and doing concrete work totally gets this. He’s now excited for the next project and to see the art of painting and doing concrete transform a house or backyard.
I’m so hopeful for my friend as he navigates life without any support from his parents and is now living on his own. I grew up in a world where going to college wasn’t an option but viewed as the only path to pursue to be successful. Whereas my young friend, who hasn’t finished High School, has to juggle work, school and the struggle to make ends meet. My prayer and practical input for him is to learn from all those around you both about the need for ongoing education but to be open to working in the trades.
One of the challenges in life is that seldom do you get complimented for the hard work you have done and the care you have done to finish well. My life lesson is that it the one who I seek to please is God alone, not my boss or even my spouse, who is always thankful and encouraging.
Yes as a teen I enjoyed the ‘Stones’ and their song, ‘I Can’t Get No Satisfaction’. Yet, I have to disagree with Mick about the message of the song, because there is the possibility to get satisfaction out of doing a job well to the best of your ability.