we don't really loose at all

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I've noticed that I'm tired at the end of the day, whether I work hard or not. However, the days where I stick to my playbook and accomplish my goals, I finish the day tired but energized. All my time is focused on glorifying God and serving His children in my unique way. Studying scripture and secular books, I make myself more useful for the kingdom now and in the future. Mentoring my four sweet students, I help them do the same. Working in the garden, I beautify the land and bring it into greater productivity; thus I'm a good steward. Writing cookbooks and working on my top secret project, I take this hard earned knowledge and package it for the benefit of God's children. This sort of thing is true whether someone has a calling to be a great mechanic or missionary or teacher or whatever.

"whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" Luke 9:24-25

The key to happiness in losing oneself is to accept the fullness of our calling or lifestyle with joy instead of resentment. When we accept the fact that our days will be full and sometimes even difficult, we are more likely to maintain a serene and joyful spirit. If we on the other hand, try to fit our callings into the cracks of our leisure, we will be frustrated and angry. "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." Proverbs 21:17

The silly children's movie Meet the Robinsons had a profound effect on me, directly relating to this subject. God has a great work for each of us if we will accept that it will be hard work and understand that we will fail time and again. We must therefore keep our eyes fixed on the goal and keep moving forward cheerfully and joyfully. Let us keep our focus on the Lord and on serving His children even though it is hard work. It is the Lord's will that we finally succeed. But it's the striving, failing, and small steps forward that build the kingdom. "In all labour there is profit..." Proverbs 14:23

This seems to be another little reward of keeping the commandments of God. Working hard for God is energizing so we don't really loose at all. "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12