Thursday, February 5, 2009

"It's My Job!"

Sometimes I wonder why people complain about their jobs! Oh, I understand why a construction worker would complain about working out in freezing temperatures or why a chef would get tired of the smell of grease all day. There are probably some jobs that are a bit boring due to repeating the exact same chore all day long and others are frustrating as you deal with dissatisfied customers. But, why do some seem to complain about a job that is exciting, rewarding and envied by many, many others?



Do you know who Lin Hao is? Think real hard because many of you have heard his name and have seen him on television (or maybe a few who were lucky enough to have seen him in person). Most of the world first saw Lin Hao about six months ago on television! Does that help any? Okay, he was the little nine-year-old Chinese boy that carried a small version of the flag of China during the Olympics. He was dwarfed by 7'6" Yao Ming as they led the Chinese athletes into the stadium during the opening ceremonies. Did you watch long enough to know who Lin Hao was and why he was leading the parade of 639 Chinese athletes?



He was a survivor of the May 12, 2008 earthquake that hit China. The tremors that caused the death of 69,000 people brought Lin Hao the chance to teach the world a great lesson. You see, he was trapped in a primary school building that had collapsed with all the children inside. He struggled and got out of the rubble although suffering a head injury (the scar from the injury was obvious during the parade). However, even after escaping, he went back in and led two of his classmates to safety who were doomed to death unless someone helped them, but in crawled their hero, Lin Hoa.



The story does not end with the rescues! Lin Hao was interviewed frequently during the Olympics and always answered the same way when ask about his heroics. His response was always, "I am the class leader and a hall monitor. It was my job to look after my classmates!" That's it...he was doing his job!



Friends, we need to understand that we all have a job to do. It may not be the most exciting job in the world nor one that will grab publicity, but it is our job! We need to do that job with pride, enthusiasm, and dignity. At a time when thousands are losing their jobs everyday, we ought to be grateful to have a job to do, right?



So whether you go to a school, restaurant, factory, hospital, or construction site...do your job! Why? Because that's what we all must do...our job!



Make today a profitable day of work and you will rest more comfortably tonight!

3 comments:

Nedra J. Smith said...

Thanks Brother Bill for such an inspiring post. It's amazing how we can think something is or isn't our job or our duty. I didn't watch the Olympics so I never knew about Lin Hao. I pray all is well there in Williamsburg. Be blessed.

--Nedra (Doug & Catherine's daughter-in-law)

Ulster's Son said...

Hey, bro. Bill!

Thanks for all your positive inspiration! Keep up the good work and God bless everyone in Williamsburg. Greet the Brashear family for all of us "Virginians" down in Carolina!

Russ McCullough

Unknown said...

Yes, I remember Lin. Very impressive story.

Allen