The Blessing of Work

Family Work

If there's one thing my kids will remember about their dad, it's that he works hard. Although they have never embraced his work ethic with enthusiasm, they respect his diligence and tenacity. The picture above is of a recent family work project. We had to spread mulch through the yard, and this picture was taken after a significant amount had already been done, so you can get an idea of the scope of the project. My 13 year old son, Jase, was not excited about the hours of shoveling and raking (and sneezing and coughing from the dust, etc.), but you could sense the satisfaction he felt at the end of the project. He was proud of his work and the effort he had given. 

A conference talk from 1982 by President Dean Jarman (a Stake President at the time) gave some fantastic insights on the value of family work:

I also loved the advice given by Elder L. Tom Perry in his talk "The Joy of Honest Labor": 

"Teaching children the joy of honest labor is one of the greatest of all gifts you can bestow upon them. I am convinced that one of the reasons for the breakup of so many couples today is the failure of parents to teach and train sons in their responsibility to provide and care for their families and to enjoy the challenge this responsibility brings. Many of us also have fallen short in instilling within our daughters the desire of bringing beauty and order into their homes through homemaking.

Oh, how essential it is that children be taught early in life the joy that comes from starting and fashioning a job that is the workmanship of their own hands. Teach children the joy of honest labor. Provide a foundation for life that builds confidence and fulfillment in each life. 'Happy is the man who has work he loves to do. … Happy is the man who loves the work he has to do' (Anonymous)."

Family work in the home is the means through which we acquire the work ethic that will be part of our character throughout our lives. But the work isn't the only valuable part of family work. Family work instills confidence. Family work bonds family members together as they work toward a common goal. Family work can teach responsibility and care for possessions. Family work helps children to avoid idleness that can lead to undesired behaviors. The value of family work is immeasurable!