The Fruits of our Labors

Joy comes from meaningful accomplishments.

Ammon summarized to his brothers their fourteen years of service among the Lamanites by saying, “We can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us” (Alma 26:31).

He also said, “All the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted” (Alma 26:5).

Ammon didn’t take credit for this outcome. He knew that none of it would have been possible without God’s enabling power. “I know that I am nothing,” he said; “as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever” (Alma 26:12). Recognizing that you couldn’t have done it alone doesn’t lessen your joy when you contribute to something miraculous.

We can also find joy in others’ accomplishments. “I do not joy in my own success alone,” wrote Alma, “but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi. Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!” (Alma 29:14-15). Alma recognized that this “fruit” represented real people, and that the relationships Ammon and his brothers had developed with the Lamanite converts could endure forever:

May God grant unto these, my brethren, that they may sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those who are the fruit of their labors that they may go no more out, but that they may praise him forever.

Alma 29:17

And we can even feel an anticipatory joy as we look forward in faith to outcomes that have not yet been realized. After the horrific battle in which the Nephites defended the Lamanite converts who had relocated to their land, many people mourned faithful family members who had died. “Yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness” (Alma 28:12). We can find joy in future events which we believe will happen.

Today, I will work hard in order to find joy in “the fruits of [my] labors.” I will find joy even as I acknowledge the hand of God. I will find joy in the accomplishments of others and in my relationships with them. I will also find joy in future accomplishments and blessings which I hope for in faith.