Our house is over 100 years old, and the main source of heat is our wood stove, so we burn a lot of wood each year. It is one of my summer projects every year to get enough wood to keep everyone warm for 8 months. My favorite part is when the grandkids come over and help me split and stack it all. One of the character traits that my Dad taught me well was diligence, and Patty and I had it as a major goal of our parenting of our kids, and it is so awesome to see that character trait being strongly instilled in my grandkids at an early age.

The thing about the character trait of diligence is, it isn’t just about physical work, but it is also about the desire to accomplish something significant with our life and time. Those who have a very strong level of diligence not only want to do something meaningful with their life, they want to accomplish a lot, they want to accomplish more, and more, and more. The most beautiful thing about a deeply embedded character trait of diligence is that accomplishment brings such joy.

Diligence moves into a much higher level when Colossians 3:23-24 becomes reality in our life,
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”