Can the diplomat in me think his work is done because he delivered a speech against war?
Can the preacher in me think his work is done because he gave a sermon about charity?
Can the poet in me think his work is done because he wrote a sonnet about love?
Can the artist in me think his work is done because he painted a scene about hope?
Can the professor in me think his work is done because gave a lecture on justice?
Can the author in me think his work is done because he published a book about courage?
Can the reporter in me think his work is done because he told a story about service?
Can the musician in me think his work is done because he wrote a song about peace?
Can the believer in me think his work is done because he said a prayer to end famine?
Can the blogger in me think his work is done because he posted an article titled “Elitism”?
For people of conscience, the work is never done. Complete one project and there are 30 more waiting in the wings. Keeps us on our toes, gives us a raison d’etre, a reason for being. You are doing your part, my friend … the world needs more like you.
Heartfelt gratitude for the most kind words of appreciation and encouragement, Jill. Generous and caring people like you fill me with hope. Thanks for keepin’ on keepin’ on.
Your rhetorical questions offer their own answer, of course. One can only wish there will be more people who recognize the answer for themselves. The work is never done.
Thanks a bunch for sharing your most thoughtful comment, anonymous friend. There are at least as many ways to contribute as there are people who really care.
You have described my present experience ~ for me, to publish more poetry about ordinary experiences at such an extraordinary time as I feel coming to us would be to trivialize the moment ~ but I know that I can serve just as well or better by publishing the occasional last minute reader guidelines and spending my time in prayer.
I just realized I may have appeared to be flouting your beliefs, there. We can call those meditations of mine just that ~ meditation ~ or good wishes, affirmations or positive thoughts ~ double-blind scientific experiment has proved that it helps! Sorry ’bout the vocabulary slip 🤭
Not feeling flouted upon in the least, Ana. I hear, feel, and accept your prayers with the sincerity and generosity of spirit with which they are sent.
Now, see? Why can’t we all work out our little differences with such generosity of spirit? 💖✨
Amen, sister! 🌻✌
Ya MAN!!
Your presence here is a special blessing indeed, Ana.
As we used to say in the playground, “Takes one to know one” 🙋
🤜🤛🌻
👍🤗
No one individual can do all that needs to be done on any of these issues, so your work is not “done” in the sense that the problem has gone away (problems like conflict, poverty, and suchlike will never entirely “go away” — they can only be made better or worse by human effort). But because there are limits to what one person can do, there are limits to what can reasonably be expected. You didn’t create any of these problems, and it’s not reasonable to expect you to dedicate yourself to fighting them to the exclusion of all your own personal needs and priorities. If you’ve done anything at all, you’ve done more than most.
And we mustn’t denigrate the power of words. Delivering a speech does not take as much effort or courage or suffering as actually fighting in battle or marching against oppression, but a speech which inspires or persuades or even stirs doubts may actually do more to bring about real change. For those whose talents lie in that area, it can be the most effective use of their time and energy.
I agree that words matter deeply… especially from someone who has skin in the game.
Very thought provoking Frank! Too often, individuals, corporations, and governments pay lip service to what they say matters yet don’t back it up with action. Words are, after all, just words.
Thanks for the most kind words and resonance, Michelle. I, for one, still have some work to do to turn my rants into meaningful action.
You’re not alone there, Frank!
Work is done when one dies, and one will die with nothing to work toward. Just my two cents. Kellye
Thanks for adding your two cents. Amen to that.