Today, we lift our hats in celebration of a truly iconic Donald’s birthday. No, I’m not talking about our President whose birthday is in just 5 days. I’m talking about a Donald who turns 91 today, is 12 years older than the President, and who sports a unique middle name: Fauntleroy. Any idea what Donald we are celebrating? It’s none other than Donald Fauntleroy Duck, better known simply as Donald Duck.
Donald made his screen debut in Disney’s The Wise Little Hen. This short, fiery tempered little guy has a speech that we’ve all tried to imitate, slobbering and spitting as we tried to make that unique sound. Yet, he can be quite loving and has many endearing qualities.
Many accolades are attached to this character. Not only has he appeared in screen and print since 1934, “He has appeared in over 190 films and countless comic strips and books, more than any other Disney character. He has appeared in more films than any other Disney character. In fact, Donald Duck was also declared in 2002 by TV Guide as one of the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time. His ‘acting’ career has earned him Academy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Who knew a duck could be so famous?”1
In 1984, Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley declared this day a national celebration in honor of Donald’s 50th birthday. Donald donated a silver statue of himself to the city to help commemorate the day.
The storyline of Donald’s screen debut featured him and his pal Peter Pig. They were doing everything they could to avoid working, including faking stomach aches. Mrs. Hen realized their scheming ways and used this as a teachable moment to reinforce the value of hard work. Seems like Mrs. Hen needs to teach that lesson today!
Professional baseball player Sam Ewing made a good observation concerning work. “Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”2 And the famed coach, Vince Lombardi, said, “Hard work is the price we must pay for success.”3 Consider some much more valuable quotes from God and His Word.
Work existed before Adam’s fall in the Garden. After the fall, though, work became difficult. Genesis 3:17-19 says, “And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; (18) Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; (19) In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Even though toilsome work was a part of the curse, I believe God’s grace shined through in spite of the curse. Hard work has been proven to be good for the body and mind. It keeps our heart pumping. And there is nothing more satisfying than having put in all that hard work and finding joy in a job well done. Viewing your accomplishments is rewarding.
As we work, let’s “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:23) When the day is finished, “give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) And enjoy the good of your labor as we are 
instructed to do by Solomon.
Ecclesiastes 2:24, 3:13 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God…(13) And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”
1https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-donald-duck-day-june-9
2https://www.azquotes.com/quote/91872?ref=value-of-hard-work
3https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1225085?ref=value-of-hard-work
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