We’ve been setting records at work: records for most hours worked in a day, most hours worked in a week, the latest we’ve stayed at work, the most days worked in a row without a day off.
But the truck is loaded and on its way to Utah, my stake meeting is over, and I feel like I can catch my breath.
It’s only a brief respite, but I’ll enjoy it for a moment.
Some have said to me, Why do you do it? Why don’t you just say no? Why don’t you just leave at 5?
Indeed, why don’t I?
I’ve worked with people that see their job as a job, as a place to make money, and their right to take breaks and leave at 5.
I’m not one of those, at work or in the church.
For some reason I care about the business, I care about the owners, and I feel ownership in the success of both.
With church, I care about the business, I care about the owners, and I feel ownership in the success of both.
I feel a desire to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, even if it's inconvenient.
I feel a reciprocal relationship: I help them and they help me.
When there’s less to be done, I’m fine to go home and do nothing.
I think I absorbed this from my parents. And my church experience has taught me sacrifice, getting outside myself, and working for a greater cause. I don’t think I can change any more than I can change my height or the color of my eyes.
(That is, until laziness or apathy or fatigue sets in.)
For now, while I can, I will do my part.
I do it for them, and I do it for me.
And I’m grateful that I can.
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4 comments:
I am often asked the same thing- why don't you say no? I like your answer. I do feel invested in people, work, church, family, friends... and that's why I do so much! I do wish we weren't quite so busy and could talk more often- I miss you!! 5 days and counting...
I don't get asked why I don't say no, I get told that I should say no. At least by my husband. I've never really thought about why I don't say no. But I do know I get it from you. I think I'll steal your answer next time the topic comes up. :)
I've been super invested in every job I've ever had, and never understood the people who treated it like it was "just a job." I've struggled with it though because other than having integrity and feeling good about doing my best, it also led to discouraging feelings and frustration when those around me didn't share any sense of that work ethic or drive.
This is an admirable trait. My parents are the same way and I guess I must have inherited it in some small degree. When I have had jobs in the past, I was amazed by how my employers couldn't get over my stellar performance. Well, it wasn't stellar, I just always made sure I did a good job. Apparently that's hard to find -- people who do a good job! So count yourself one of an elect group and kudos to you for instilling that ethic in your children as well.
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