Hard work yields a result, no matter the outcome.
.
The past few days, I’ve hiked and walked more than I have for several years. I’ve climbed some steep areas and have had very little sleep.
.
As I’ve done this, I’ve realized a few things about myself: I can push myself to do hard things. I have prepared my mind and body for the physical and mental challenges, and I am happy with whatever outcome I get because I’ve worked my butt off.
.
The physical ‘in hand’ reward isn’t always the result of hard work—sometimes we don’t get a physical ‘in hand’ actual reward.
.
Why put in the effort and work your butt off to have nothing to show for it?
.
Rewards are not always tangible evidence of great effort. This is part of my personal belief that participation trophies are garbage. They are not earned. They are given to anyone.
.
What was the reward Christ received for the Atonement? Was His expectation for completing the Atonement a personal reward? Think about those two questions.
.
Have you thought about them?
.
Now, ask yourself this: Do you only do things in hopes of an award? Sure, it’s nice to obtain an award after hard work, don’t get me wrong. The message I’m trying to deliver is that we shouldn’t expect an award for everything we do.
.
Life is going to challenge us; we are expected to be obedient to God and His laws. Our reward isn’t a physical ‘in hand’ award for our obedience; however, it’s much more significant—It’s called eternal life!
.
Doctrine and Covenants 64:11, “And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God ​​​judge​ between me ​​and thee, and ​​​reward​ thee according to thy ​​​deeds​.”
.
Doctrine and Covenants 31:12, “Pray​ always, lest you enter into ​​​temptation​ and lose your ​​​reward​.”
.
Doctrine and Covenants 6:33, “Fear not​ to do ​​​good​, my sons, for whatsoever ye ​​​sow​, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow ​​​good,​ ye shall also reap good for your ​​​reward​.”
.
To that, I add, Hear Him and receive your reward!
.
Art by Annie Henrie Nader @altusfineart