TO CARE ENOUGH Imagine what the world would be like had not the greatest men and women who ever lived cared to exert themselves. What if instead of spending his evenings and nights researching into electricity and discovering the electric light bulb and phonograph, Thomas Edison had instead played cards and attended parties? Suppose Beethoven, instead of expending the great energy it must have taken to compose his symphonies and sonatas, decided to play it safe and just perform other composers’ works for a steady salary. Certainly it would be a duller world If these men and many others like them did not care to step away from the comforts of routine. What made it possible for Thomas Edison to stay up nights working on his inventions? It was that he cared deeply about his work. The same principle applies to everyone. When we care deeply about something or someone we can give a great amount of our energy to the object of our care; we will be willing to sacrifice ourselves for it, and only by giving of ourselves do we open ourselves to receive the rich benefits the universe has to offer. Last Autumn The Stelle Group started construction of the foundation for the woodworking factory. Most of the work was done by volunteers from the group. To be sure, this phase of the construction called for some self-sacrifice. Many members gave up weekends with their families and various activities to work in frequently inclement weather conditions. Some members gave up jobs to stay at the construction site for two full months. It was a sacrifice to wake up at four or five in the morning, drive a hundred miles, and work in freezing temperatures for 12 hours; but whatever inconveniences were endured, they were minimal compared to the benefits that were received. The obvious benefit of the construction is that a foundation is now in the ground and ready for the framework of the building. This alone will be remembered long after the discomforts are forgotten. But more important is the growth of character and joy of accomplishment that each of the participants gained. The richest reward of the venture lies in the depth of joy gained by the experience of interrelating with fellow men working toward a common, meaningful goal. One of the reasons so many people these days seem mired in a state of apathy and boredom is that there is nothing outside themselves for which they are concerned enough to sacrifice their comforts, But it is through sacrifice for something worthwhile that the richer textures and melodies of life reveal themselves. What joy Thomas Edison must have felt when he looked out at cities lighted by his electric lamps.
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