Labor (of Love)

"A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation and encourages perseverance." Gary Hamel

Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, my mind kept circling back to the definition and meaning of labor. I was reminded of the countless times I've been told, "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life." While I can understand the well meaning sentiment behind the thought, can I pose a different perspective?

Loving something (or someone) well is costly. It requires...

... a deep and continual investment.

... deferring our own needs or desires for another.

... long days (and sometimes nights).

... seasons of being hidden, without your best efforts acknowledged by others.

... an intense commitment to not giving up, even when it would be an easier option than pressing forward.

‍And yet, anything of great worth is costly. So, if we desire something of high value and worth, we must be willing to pay for it.

Which leads me to ponder: why do we think our work (or labor) would be any different? 

In rural health, there is far more work than available hands. Few wear just one hat or title. Days are long. Sometimes the work load bleeds into evenings and weekends. Your friends tell you to stop and take a break, but there is often no one to pass on the baton.

Is it costly? Yes.

Is the investment we are making to shape the rural health landscape of great value? Yes.

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

I've come to realize that investing in rural health is a labor of love.

‍It's choosing to play the long game.

It's seeing opportunity where others see lack.

It's preferring your brothers and sisters to see them succeed and truly thrive.

It's saying with your life to a population: You are seen, worthy... worth it.

So as you return to your work today, may you know that your work, no matter how costly, is worth it.

Thank you for investing in rural. We need you.

Sincerely, 

Your friends in rural health