Words that caught us: What would you like your kids to know? (Part 4)

 

Work is the means by which

We express ourselves,

Honour our talents,

Participate in creation,

Serve providence,

Contribute to humankind,

And earn a living.

 

Make your work – however mundane –

Stand out, as a piece of art.

Stamp your uniqueness on it,

Admire it,

And always be proud,

To sign your name on it.

Package it nicely,

And present it to the universe,

And to mankind,

As your best gift, and prayer.

 

Let your work be

A form of gratitude,  

For the miracle, and opportunity

To be here.

 

Let all those who come 

In contact with it,

Feel your love,

Be touched by your spirit,

Be awed and changed by it.

 

For there is no other means

By which you’ll be remembered,

Or, find meaning, in your existence,

But by the work you do,

And the excellence with which

You do it.

 

How else will you find meaning,

If you don’t contribute to anything?

If your existence doesn’t add value?

 

How else will you be remembered,

If not by your service?

 

How else will you honour your talents,

If not by utilizing them?

 

So, shun the shortcuts,

And anything that comes too quickly,

Without effort,

Or, without you paying your dues,

Or, offering value for it.

 

Be wary of those who wish

To con you out of your life,

By selling you cheat-sheets,

On how to reap where you’ve not sowed,

And how get big rewards without effort.

 

That, dear child

Is cheating reward off its sheen.

 

Learn from nature...

See how she gathers herself,

Witnesses the stages, the phases,

And the seasons.

Nothing comes pap!

 

Don’t yield to the temptations,

And the cons.

Please, please, resist them,

With all your might.

 

Always wear the pride-armour,

Of a good and honest farmer,

Who loves waking up at daybreak,

To admire the beauty of the land,

And the luxuriant lush in his farm,

And who cherishes the communion of love,

That is tending to harvest,

And in drawing a sweat,

And in dirtying his hands,

And in sitting down in the evening,

A warm cup in his hand,

And a song in his heart.

 

For, there is no sweeter fruit,

Than that which you have grown yourself,

And know is deserved, and blessed!

 

That, my child,

Is what it means, to live a creative life,

That’s meaningful, impactful,

And fulfilling.

 

Trust us on this –

Giving it your best is the only way,

To get a good night’s sleep.

This reflection was inspired by the words of Joyce DiDonato in this Commencement Speech.