Angel M Flener, LE/CLT
January 2, 2025

One of my favorite Instagram influencers in my life is David Griffiths....he starts every single post with "Wait, don't scroll...let's have our morning blessing". As a follower of his, I often wonder how many people really stop scrolling and listen or just pause when they need something as if they need someone else to figure out an issue for them or to only seek guidance when its "too hard" to figure things out for themselves. I have become a follower because I am a little of both. I enjoy every morning's prayers and use his wisdoms in my own and I turn to his posts when I need resolve.

I started this blog not to turn you into a fan of David's as I have fervently become, but to commiserate that YES, Life is filled with challenges and, setbacks. But it is also filled with opportunities. The phrase “Do the work, receive the blessings” is a reminder that the effort we put into our pursuits is directly tied to the rewards we eventually reap. This saying serves as both a guiding principle and a motivation, helping us understand that the journey is just as important as the destination. But what does it really mean to "do the work"? And how exactly does this translate into blessings?

1. The Work: A Commitment to Your Dreams

When we say "do the work," we aren't just talking about putting in a few hours or completing the tasks on a to-do list. "The work" is a holistic concept that encompasses dedication, passion, and continuous effort. It’s about showing up even when it’s hard, staying focused even when distractions abound, and not giving up when the going gets tough.

This concept applies to all areas of life — whether you're working towards a career goal, building a personal relationship, or even pursuing a spiritual practice. The key is consistency. True success isn’t a result of a one-time effort or a stroke of luck. It’s about persistence and resilience, making small, meaningful steps day after day, even when progress seems slow.

2. Facing Challenges: The True Test of Commitment

Doing the work isn’t always glamorous. There are days when you feel tired, frustrated, or discouraged. There are times when the results are not immediate, and you might even question whether the work is worth it. This is where the magic happens.

The blessings aren’t always waiting for you at the finish line. Sometimes, they come in the form of lessons, growth, and wisdom acquired along the way. These are the intangible gifts that you get when you push through your doubts and keep moving forward despite the obstacles. Challenges help you refine your skills, test your resilience, and shape your character. And this process—however uncomfortable—is a blessing in itself.

3. The Blessings: More than Just Rewards

When we think of blessings, we often imagine tangible rewards: a promotion at work, a new house, or financial prosperity. While these are certainly valuable blessings, they aren’t the only ones that matter. The true blessings of doing the work are often far deeper and more profound.

The blessings come in different forms:

• Personal Growth: You evolve as a person every time you challenge yourself and put in the effort. Through this, you build confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
  
• Fulfillment: When you dedicate yourself to something meaningful, the satisfaction of knowing you gave your best is a reward that no external prize can match.
  
• Gratitude and Perspective: The work you do, especially when it’s difficult, helps you appreciate the blessings in your life more deeply. You begin to recognize the value of the small things — a supportive friend, a beautiful sunset, or the simple act of learning something new.
  
• Opportunities: Sometimes, the work you put in opens doors you never even imagined. A consistent effort often leads to unexpected opportunities — connections, promotions, or even a new direction in life — that can change everything for the better.
  
  

4. The Balance: Work and Rest

It's important to acknowledge that "doing the work" doesn’t mean burning out. There’s a balance between dedication and self-care. Working hard is essential, but so is resting, reflecting, and taking care of your mental and physical health.

When you allow yourself space to recharge, the blessings come in the form of creativity, clarity, and fresh energy. Rest isn’t a break from work—it’s an integral part of the process that enhances your ability to give your best.

5. Trusting the Process

One of the hardest parts of doing the work is having faith in the process. It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see immediate results or when things aren’t going as planned. But remember, every successful person, organization, or venture started with the same essential principle: the willingness to put in the work without knowing exactly when the blessings would come.

Trusting the process means believing that every step you take, even if it feels like a small one, is moving you toward your greater purpose. The blessings may come in unexpected ways, but they are always tied to the consistent effort you’ve made over time.

6. Reflecting on Your Journey

As you look back on your journey, you'll see that the true blessings were never just the outcomes. They were the lessons, the growth, and the ability to look back and say, "I gave it my all."

Life is a series of cycles — work, effort, rest, growth, and rewards. "Do the work, receive the blessings" is a reminder that we are in control of our actions, but the universe has its way of giving back in ways we cannot always foresee. The blessings aren’t just what you get in the end, but what you become along the way.

BUT IN THE END You have to Keep Doing the Work!!! 

So, the next time you face a challenge, feel discouraged, or wonder if all your hard work is worth it, remember this: blessings aren’t just things; they’re experiences, growth, and personal victories that come from persistence.

Trust that the work you put in today is setting the stage for a brighter tomorrow. Keep going, keep growing, and keep doing the work. The blessings will come when you least expect them, often in the form of the very journey you’re on.