Meaning

Work undertaken for the pleasure of it or for the benefit of a loved one.

Origin

Thessalonians 1:2, 1:3:

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Hebrews 6:10:

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

A Labour of Love for me…

Whether married for 40 years, 20 years or not yet married, we as women and young ladies are teaching the next generation. Whether it’s caring for the ill or dying, canning, gardening, cleaning, doing laundry, teaching, reading scripture, trusting God’s will, or loving your husbands and children. The next generation watches, observes and learns. They are the future caregivers that will be used by God.

Is it always easy? Absolutely not. Is it always a work of pleasure? Not always, it’s a work that benefits others, rather than yourself. Sacrifice that doesn’t always have the earthly rewards that our society strives for. There is no paycheck, there is not always a thank you, and sometimes, it’s a laborious chore that can end with a sting. However, as we learn in Thessalonians and Hebrews, God sees and knows our own hearts and the intentions that went along with our actions.

As I look at the past 20 years of marriage and motherhood, I can honestly say that I regret nothing. I do not regret the worldly stings or pains that have been experienced as they all have only helped me to grow and be a woman striving to serve the Lord with gladness. I also know that each experience helps to show the next generation how to deal with all the world wants to toss at you. Is it always graceful? No…! Yet, the outcome can be. Even the growing of the gray hair and the wisdom gained can be looked at gracefully if one looks hard enough.

If you ask my daughter, I am not a perfect mother or wife. Yet, she will tell you that I humbly pray for strength each day to love my husband, my children, my friends and extended family to the best of my ability. To show all that they are important and loved, unconditionally. A Labour of Love!

I thank God that He has placed in my life a mother of faith who continues to teach A Labour of Love. I also thank God for a daughter that is also showing me she has learned what A Labour of Love means. As I am dealing with my health issues I know that God is taking care of all my needs and my families as He has blessed us with generational instruction for just such a time.

From one generation to the next, working together, teaching one another, nurturing one another, committed to one another and protecting one another. A grandma, a mom and a daughter. Titus 2:3-5I hope you understand now, why I named it a Labour of Love. And I also hope you will walk with me in this journey of twists of turns knowing that the gate is narrow. (Matthew 7:13-14)