It’s so tedious, all the moaning complaints about jobs, pay, and how hard the work is. The yawning employee at the fitness center whose refrain is "same old same old," one representative of many. How refreshing to encounter people who dedicate themselves to hard work and reap rewards not only for the customer but also for themselves. Giving yourself one hundred percent to your job produces fine quality work as well as sturdy inner satisfaction. If we spend considerable time at work, why not spend that time well? Why not give it our all so as not to waste the time of our lives?

Though I can think of countless inspiring examples of people who give themselves wholeheartedly to their work, I point to one case in particular that can serve as a lesson for anyone in any line of work. Floyd is a 78-year-old retired welder who is anything but retired. He and his crew of one are painting and making repairs at my mother’s house and I’ve watched the results of hard, joyful, diligent work brighten the family home and all our lives.

“I’m a lucky man that I can still work. I love to work. I love doing a good job and seeing people pleased and being able to make some happiness come their way.” Floyd is always on time. He laughs mightily, sings beautifully, and whistles like a bird. He is meticulous. He stays with a problem until it resolves. He tells me what he’s planning next with enthusiasm for the next project. He walks my mother around the house, pointing out this and that as the house springs to life. “No problem” is his mantra. He is exhausted at day’s end, often leaving for the 45-minute drive to his country home where a favor for a friend waits for him to tackle. He never makes excuses and when a missed spot or needed repair is pointed out to Floyd, “Thank you, I’ll take care of that. Good eye,” is his reply. Never a complaint, a groan, a frustrated sigh. Never.