Jun
A Measure of Devotion
In the place I worked many years ago, the boss belonged to a group. Every so often, several of the members would get together in a spare room. Their usual activity was stuffing envelopes. If there was a need to buy anything while they were working, they went for their wallets. These men were willing to do tedious work and to pay out of their own pockets. Obviously, they cared about what they hoped to accomplish.
When it comes to any endeavor for a group or cause, there are plenty of people for the “glory jobs.” Folks come out of the woodwork if they are going to be seen. But how many of those people will readily open their wallets to back their cause? I can tell you for a fact that many may show for the glory work, but getting folks to do the tedious jobs is like pulling hen’s teeth. Stuffing envelopes is boring. Sticking labels and stamps on envelopes is boring. Collating is tedious. Nonetheless, these jobs are essential. They are as important as the glory jobs.
There are measures of a person’s commitment. In my younger days, I thought it foolish to equate dedication with money. Over the years, I learned that a sure sign of dedication is the willingness of an individual to open his wallet. The people who care most are the ones most willing to back it with their money. I also learned that the folks who are truly devoted to a thing are the ones who will do the most tedious and mundane work. You will find the true believers stuffing envelopes, collating forms and sweeping the floor.
What is the measure of your belief? Are you willing to chip in your work? Your money? Are you committed enough to your belief that you would stuff envelopes and staple forms together? That is a real measure of a person’s devotion.
