Knowing How to Labor, to Toil

I envy and admire one of our speakers in our business class. 

She narrated how, at a very young age, she already valued hard work. She experienced going to bed hungry because there was no food on the table. The following day, they would wake up not knowing where their next meal would come from. Sometimes, they had to drink water just to feel a little full; their stomach hurt, but there was nothing they could do. 

Life felt unfair. She saw others with more food, more comfort, more chances, but they just keep getting by, surviving. Some days, she narrated, it was hard to smile, but somehow she kept going, even with an empty stomach and a heavy heart.  She vowed to work hard to improve their life.

And worked hard she did! She supported herself through college, studied hard to maintain a scholarship. After college, she got a job, but also had several side businesses. She did the necessary, difficult, and uncomfortable. She had a goal to achieve: to get out of a difficult life. 

She succeeded!

I know of people who were able to do the same. Single mom or parents. Life started out difficult, yet they were able to overcome. Admirable! 

      

Image source: Photo by Berkan Küçükgül on Unsplash

Ⓒ 28 July 2025

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