Good Labor: When Dreams Require Work

Recently, my daughter and I had a heart-to-heart conversation about her first semester of high school. She was having a difficult time processing the results of her performance (or lack thereof) when official report cards came out. When I asked her what her goals for school were, she replied, “I wanna do good.” Naturally, I followed up by asking what “good” looked like to her. Her answer was simple: “I just want to have a good day.”

Knowing her well, I understood that her definition of a “good day” often means the path of least resistance—a day where everything is fun and engaging–with minimal friction. To her, “good“ equates to “easy.”

Acknowledging her response, I encouraged my daughter to shift her mindset, explaining that a “good day” doesn’t have to be free of hard work. Sometimes, a good day is one where you’ve been productive and put forth intentional effort—even if that effort is taxing or stressful. At the end of a day like that, when you reflect on what you’ve accomplished, you can genuinely say, “It was a good day.”

Delving a bit deeper into our conversation, I also shared with my daughter a powerful biblical truth from Luke 1:38—Mary’s acceptance speech. When the angel Gabriel told Mary of her divine purpose to birth the Messiah, Mary’s response was filled with faith:

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.“‘

Mary willingly accepted God’s promise. However, accepting it didn’t mean it would be automatic. It still required LABOR—to exert one’s powers of body or mind especially with painful or strenuous effort. Mary was going to bring forth a child—the Savior of the world—but she still had to carry that promise for nine months and endure birthing pains. Yes, Mary’s promise (though true) required her participation.

The Labor of Promises

Much like Mary, when God gives us a promise or when we set a goal for ourselves, it is rarely, if ever, effortless. While we may expect favorable results, stepping into favor still requires us to do something. Luke 1:38 serves as a powerful reminder that the fulfillment of promises involves labor—whether literal or metaphorical. This truth applies to all of us, and I have certainly experienced it firsthand.

Redefining a “Good Day”

For my daughter, the concept of a “good day” needed a new perspective. I wanted her to understand that a “good day” isn’t always marked by ease or comfort. Often, it involves challenges, growth opportunities, and moments that require perseverance. Sometimes, a “good day” is simply taking one more step toward her dreams—whether by tackling a tough assignment or choosing kindness when it wasn’t the easiest option.

To make this lesson real, I shared my own journey of laboring through my goals. What may have seemed like an effortless presentation at a school visit or a polished speech at a speaking engagement was, in truth, the culmination of hours of writing, rehearsing, and praying. Every open door required not only faith but also preparation.

Accepting God’s promise never eliminates the process—it invites us into it.

The Work Behind the Promise

This year has been filled with numerous highlights—author visits, news appearances, speaking engagements, and recording my latest audiobook. But none of these opportunities manifested on their own. There were long hours of research, planning, coordination, collaboration, and preparation. While last year was a season of rest and “marking time,” this year is a season of work, and while the labor has been intense, it has also been incredibly rewarding.

Time to L.A.B.O.R.

As I reflected on the deeper lessons of this season, one truth became clear: God’s promises often come with a call to action. It’s not just about receiving but about showing up, putting in the work, and maintaining a posture of readiness and faith. After all, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). To truly embrace this season of growth and promise, it’s essential to understand what it means to L.A.B.O.R. with intention and purpose—not just physical work but a heart posture of willingness and effort. Here’s how:

L – Lean Into the Work:

Just like Mary, who accepted God’s promise—even when it seemed unimaginable or far-fetched—we, too, need to lean into what He is asking of us. There are seasons when “marking time” or being still is necessary, but when God gives the command to move forward, we must be ready to step out in faith and take action.

A – Acknowledge the Process:

Every promise unfolds through a journey. It’s natural to desire the “good” without the “grit,” but life rarely works that way. My own experiences—whether crafting new stories, preparing to speak to diverse audiences, or navigating the behind-the-scenes demands of my creative projects—have shown me that achievement is seldom a straight line. It requires perseverance, planning, and the willingness to push through uncomfortable seasons. Success is not a stroke of luck but the outcome of sustained, intentional effort.

B – Break It Down:

Sometimes, the work ahead can feel daunting, and the promise you’re pursuing may seem distant or out of reach. When the vision feels too big, the best approach is to break it down into manageable steps. Consider this: What small action can you take today that moves you closer to the promise you hope for? The beauty of breaking things down is that it transforms the overwhelming into the achievable. Each small step builds momentum, and each completed task becomes a reminder that progress—no matter how seemingly insignificant—is still progress.

O – Own Your Growth:

Owning your growth means recognizing that the process is just as important as the promise. It’s about celebrating progress, no matter how small, and understanding that each step forward is shaping you into the version of yourself that is ready for the blessing ahead. Embrace the stretch, the discomfort, and even the setbacks, knowing that God is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).

Every effort, every trial, and every late night of preparation is an opportunity for transformation. God uses our labor to refine us—to chip away at old habits, build new strengths, and align our character with His purpose.

The labor is not just about achieving the goal but about becoming the person who can sustain it.

R – Rejoice in Progress:

A significant part of laboring towards God’s promises is taking time to reflect on the journey and rejoice in the progress. Reflection allows us to pause and recognize God’s hand in every step, finding joy not only at the finish line but in each milestone—big or small. True rejoicing isn’t merely about external achievements but also about acknowledging internal growth. If your day was intentional and purposeful, even if not easy, that is worth celebrating.

Rejoicing comes from recognizing progress, whether it’s pushing through a tough task, choosing discipline over comfort, or taking even a small step forward. Celebrate the effort, the resilience, and the grace that carried you through. As we reflect and rejoice, our hearts align with gratitude, fueling us to continue laboring with hope. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Embrace the Labor

A Personal Reflection

While guiding my daughter through the concept of “good labor,” I also realized how this truth permeates every area of life. The idea that effort and intentionality lead to fulfillment doesn’t only apply to academic success or professional milestones; it also applies to the personal and intimate aspects of our lives, even our relationships. Relationships, much like dreams and goals, require consistent effort, patience, and a willingness to do the hard work.

As an adoptive mother, I often reflect on how the labor of love and commitment is ongoing. While I did not labor physically to bring my daughter into this world, I have labored emotionally, mentally, and spiritually to nurture her well-being and advocate for her needs. My husband and I both believe that our daughter’s future will be brighter because she is a part of our family, but that doesn’t mean our journey is absent of labor. Parenting, in any form, is a daily commitment to showing up, being present, and putting in the work to guide our children toward their purpose. It requires us to labor in prayer, in discipline, in patience, and in love—knowing that every seed sown today may not show evidence immediately but will yield fruit at the right time.

Final Thoughts: LABOR (The Work Behind the Promise)

Just as I encouraged my daughter, I encourage you:

• L – Lean Into the Work: Is there something God has asked you to do that you’ve been avoiding? Take the first step, no matter how small.
• A – Acknowledge the Process: What steps can you take today to get closer to your goal? Embrace the journey, knowing that growth takes time.
• B – Break It Down: What is one small task you can complete this week? Small, consistent actions lead to significant results.
• O – Own Your Growth: How are you allowing God to shape you through this labor? Be intentional about learning and transforming through each experience.
• R – Rejoice in Progress: When you look back, can you celebrate the hard work and see how far you’ve come? Take a moment to recognize and honor your progress.

A Closing Encouragement: Due Season

The labor may be difficult, but the harvest is always worth it. Scripture reminds us,

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” ~Galatians 6:9~

God’s promises are often invitations to participate in the process. He provides the vision, but we must do the work. As you lean into the labor, trust that your “due season” is on its way. Stay encouraged, remain steadfast, and believe that the work required has a purpose greater than what you see at the moment.

To quote Pastor Mike McClure, Jr.:

You can’t pray for a future you won’t prepare for.

So, as you pray . . . prepare. As you believe . . . build. As you labor . . . look forward to what you will birth. Your labor is not in vain.

Here’s to more good days and good labor,

Hello Sunshine!

QUESTION – What labor are you embracing today to align with God’s promises? Share your journey below—I’d love to connect and encourage you!

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