A favorite historical character from American history is Thomas Edison, the Wizard of Menlo Park.   His son Charles wrote a few essays about his father’s work and in one, found in The Book of Virtues, he quotes Edison, “It’s plain hard work that does it!”

I have been pondering and working on a part-time business that would supplement my income.   And, everywhere I turn I hear advice that all boils down to this one simple statement, “It’s plain hard work that does it.”

As a result, my ponderings have been focusing more and more on the truth that work is essential to any success.  I don’t mean some type of fun little challenges that you easily “work” through.   I mean the type of work that we seem to work very hard to stay away from—that “nose to the grindstone” stuff.   This is that stack of papers that you have yet to grade; the attendance records that you have to update; the grades that you have to average; or the phone call to the parent who asked you to keep in touch once per week.

I have realized in myself a deep propensity for laziness, and a strong addiction to entertainment.  These two flaws are not only enemies of my work ethic, but are also enemies of my success.

God gives us work as a blessing, as the preacher explains in Ecclesiastes.   Our work gives us purpose for each day, and provides us with a healthy satisfaction upon completion of some task.  However, we are so often the slothful fieldowner described in Proverbs who never got around to getting the job done.   We would much rather be entertained than doing the necessary work that God has given to us.

As we begin a new school year, may we all dedicate ourselves to the WORK of the ministry of Christian education. Our ministry will be fruitless if we don’t.

PS–More quotes by Edison found here.