I slept and dreamt that life was joy.

I awoke and saw that life was duty.

I worked—and behold,

duty was joy.

This beautiful quote from Victor Frankel’s book “Yes to Life” offers a revealing truth. Life isn’t “out there.” It’s right here. Now.

Our “if only”s … “someday I’ll”s … Always reach for the “what if”s” in life.

But Frankel reminds us that diligent effort now. Directed toward a challenge or obstacle in front of us now? Will usually yield a satisfaction, a joy from a job well done. Duty we’re called to.

Bewildered at times I observe some of today’s more “privileged” teens lament about the workload at school. Wine about how difficult things are in general. Then I watch parents succumb to their pleas. “That’s Ok, honey. You don’t have to do that.” This or that. Just don’t want to put too much stress on their baby.

I can relate to this. But just the opposite. Example. In high school school … I went through the agony of double practice sessions on the football field at 85 – 90 degrees. Why subject myself to this torture? Seemed pointless at the time. But duty called. Little joy to be found amidst the painful effort.

Then came that first game. I was a physical rock. The endorphins flowed. The “duty” during those hot summer days had birthed a joy. Those 85 degree sessions had all been worth it. Good. New growth at the age of seventeen.

I have two daughters. Both now two dedicated moms. I can remember my urge not to put much stress on them at times too. But then I’d reach back remembering those football practices. The lessons of discipline, stretching myself. Chose not to succumb to my feelings. Wanting to relieve my girls from their “pain.” Watched them grow. Work through their own “double sessions.” They too soon learned that accepting duty now yielded unexpected joy.

Norman Lear said all he had in life was “now and next.” That was it. Right there in front of him. Nike says, “Just do it!” The author Scott Peck espouses the value of pushing through … delaying gratification. Accepting duty knowing a joy will follow.

The message? Duty calls us. Every day. Make each day. Each moment count. Despite how formidable the task before you is.

The work … the joy.

“I worked … and behold. Duty was joy.”