While reading the book by Orrin Woodward,
“And Justice for All”, I came across a line within a sentence that read,
“…constitutes the most respected of occupations”. My mind began to specifically
wander, to think about the meaning of those words.
“What constitutes the most respected of
occupations”, the one that make the most money, the one that save the most
lives, the one that offers pleasure, the one that serves the most people, the
one that makes others envy you, the one that’s the most fun or the ones that’s
the most secure?
I believe it’s the one that allows you to be
your very best, “The something I’m supposed to be”, in the song, “Rainbow
Connection” by Kermit the Frog. That still small voice of Purpose, Satisfaction
and Significance. The life that is rewarded with the words, “Well done my good
and faithful servant.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ”To laugh often and
much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false
friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a
bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social
condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have
lived. This is to have succeeded.
Which occupation in a thriving society is not
important? Which one has more importance? Let the garbage man skip you a couple
of weeks or you surgeon go on vacation, or the storeowner close her store on
that holiday. What if the Missionaries or their supporters change their minds?
What if the World went on strike? Who’s going to drive you home, tonight?
So which occupation should we, respect the
most? We should respect the one that makes freedom possible for the people in
that society; Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and
Freedom from Fear.
Thomas Wolfe, American novelist said, “To
every man his chance, to every man, regardless of his birth, his shinning
golden opportunity. To every man the right to live, to work, to be himself, and
to become whatever his manhood and his vision can contribute to make him.”
This seeker is the promise of America.
So my fellow Americans, dream your dreams,
put on your overalls, your tie, or your surgical mask, and go to work, to
provide the example of our original culture of hard work, dignity and the
promise of ‘Freedom’. This promise is reserved for all of those who are willing
to pay the price.
