Ten Labors of Labor

My Dear Son Austin,

It's been almost 19 years since you first started formal education, much of which during those early years were in our home by your mother herself who tirelessly, but also joyfully loved over your care. All of that training has now culminated to this very first day on the job after completion of your post-graduate degree. Today you begin your career.

In one sense it's not the beginning because we should never live our lives in anticipation of something that might happen. That's why traversing the trail is sometimes more important than triumph at the target. When it comes to our future estate there's only on thing that's certain, and I don't think I need to remind you of what that is. But along the path, Austin, you've always stayed the course and enjoyed the scenery along the way, hoping all the while that it might lead to your desired destination. Well, son, today is what's known as the "fruit of your labor", even though we're never guaranteed that fruit in the end. Mom and I are proud, but only in a holy sense because we know that He is the giver of all good gifts.

Having been in the business world for almost 25 years now, I'd like to launch you off with what little words of wisdom I possess as they relate to work. These are what I'd call "Dad's Ten Labors of Labor":

1. First, never forget who you really work for. When it's all said and done, your paycheck may have your employer's name on it, but your wages ultimately come from God Almighty. And since He demands perfection, which was only accomplished through Jesus, so work in such a way that Jesus' perfection is upheld.
   
2. Second, resist the temptation to make much of yourself to prove something other than who you are to your colleagues, clients and service professionals. Usurping what belongs to Christ never accomplishes anything of lasting value, either for yourself or those working around you.
3. Third, having money can be more difficult than having none. Don't judge others outside of the household of faith on how they spend their wages. On the other hand, honor the Lord with your first fruits, making prudent decisions early on that you'll sacrificially live on less to gain what you cannot earn.
4. Fourth, discipline yourself to invest in your wife and family over and above your employer and employees. On the surface you may be criticized for holding your boundaries, but over time the fame of our Jesus will be honored as others see that your treasure lies beyond your career.
5. Fifth, you cannot lead where you have not been. Never ask others to do for you what you have not done yourself, unless it involves an area of expertise outside of your domain. When you're willing to humble yourself and do what seems to others as demeaning, then you've really entered the highest ranks of true leadership.
6. Sixth, never demand more money for your labor, but rather let your silence and hard work be evidence enough of the value you bring the firm. Let the Lord do His work and don't get out ahead of Him; He'll supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus without you ever having to speak on His behalf.
7. Seventh, divert praise and accolade away from yourself and redirect it to others, especially Christ. You'll get plenty of respect and honor without you taking it for yourself, trust me. Others who are less fortunate in many ways need the chance, and while Jesus doesn't need it, He deserves it.
8. Eighth, always do more than what's expected of you, even if it's not on your job description. Exceeding expectations and going above and beyond is merely modeling what Christ did for you.
   
9. Ninth, walk away from work at the end of the day and leave it there. I can assure you it will be right where you left it the night before when you return in the morning. There's always enough work to fill a 24 hour day, seven days a week, but the discipline of knowing when enough is enough for the day and engaging in other priorities while outside of work is paramount to your health and happiness, not to mention that of your wife's and children.
10. Tenth, and finally, always remember that people are more valuable than things, even intangibles. There's two things that will last into eternity future, the souls of mankind and the Word of God. Everyone's immortal. Everything else you see will one day be incinerated. Love them, Austin, love them.

That's all the wisdom I possess my son, to the extent you want to even call it that. These are my prayers for you, and I know Mom shares in them with me. This is a joyous, exuberant day, and our hearts are bursting with love, affection and overwhelming pleasure at the grace displayed in your station of life.

Emptied of words,

Dad (& Mom)