Mary’s Minute
“Caretakers of a legacy.”
~ Stanford University Maintenance
Truck
There is a parable that is told in slightly
different ways, but the core of the story is that three different stonecutters
are asked what they are doing. The first
replies that he is laboring to cut stone to make a living; the second responds
that he is building a building; and the third responds enthusiastically that he
is creating a great cathedral.
I believe strongly in the need to find jobs
that we love in order to be happy in life, but this story reminds us that it
isn’t just the job, but our attitude/ perspective. When we see that our job is valued and
important, it is easier to find joy in it.
I saw the quote, “Caretakers of a legacy,” on
the back of a maintenance truck, and it reminded me how the perspective we take
on the jobs we do make a difference. Instead
of thinking of our job as the menial tasks at hand, think of it in terms of
what it contributes to the past, the future, or a mission. Everyone who works at a school is building
tomorrow’s future. Our cooks do not
simply cook meals, they provide nourishment for our students to learn and
grow.
The men and women at Stanford who cut the grass
and pick up trash see their jobs as taking care of a great legacy that spans of
a century.
If you would take a minute to reflect on your
job and consider how you can frame it, linking it to a legacy or the future. Then the next time you are feeling
discouraged, think of how important your role is. What you do is part of something grander than
we may imagine on a day to day basis.
You are part of a legacy – you are building the future.
Have a great week!
Mary
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