Weekly Roundup 34: Labors of Love

Labor Day was Monday, and here's a big shout-out to all the workers at every level who keep this world turning. When I think of how many people are involved in the basic needs and functions of daily life--from running water to high-speed internet, from agriculture to the convenience store on the corner--I'm astounded. And grateful!

I also want to recognize another type of work: the labor of love. Merriam-Webster defines it as "a labor voluntarily undertaken or performed without consideration of any benefit or reward." That doesn't feel quite accurate, as benefits and rewards can come in many forms. 

I prefer this definition from Dictionary.com: "work done for the sake of one's own enjoyment or benefit to others rather than for material rewards." A labor of love also might be considered an avocation or hobby, as opposed to a vocation which (hopefully) pays the bills. But I think it goes deeper than a hobby. A calling, maybe?

Labors of love also keep the world turning, or at the very least make it more a interesting place. So here's to all the painters and ballroom dancers and novelists and gardeners and poets and parkour athletes and needlepointers and fiddle players and cartoonists and everyone else doing what we do for the love of it.

See you next week!