Issue 44.10
As I watch the changes that come with Autumn I pay close attention to the leaves on the trees. I have realized over the years that you can tell a lot about a tree by observing its leaves. If the leaves don’t look well, that is usually an indication that something is wrong with the tree. Many times the leaves fall from the tree before their time; they never reach their full potential.
In contrast, a healthy tree has beautiful, flourishing leaves. They stay on the tree through wind and rain until the season changes, and then fall gracefully to the ground.
Recently I have been reflecting on the lives of those who have not only lived, but have lived for a purpose. Their lives were meaningful and had direction. One common characteristic that graced the lives of these individuals was service. They sought for the common good; they were not self-seeking. Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and others during our country’s founding did much for the common good. I have heard the term “public virtue” used to describe such men and women.
I think that most would agree in judging by today’s standards, both Franklin and Washington had “earned the right” to retire. They had paid their dues so to speak. These men, however, were driven by a higher cause; a sense of duty not only to their fellowmen, but to their Creator.
As we go about our day-to-day lives may we look for opportunities to serve, even when it is inconvenient. We will be much better men and women and hopefully it will branch out to our neighborhoods, communities, and eventually our Country. We are still One Nation Under God. As Benjamin Franklin said during the Constitutional Convention: “I have lived, Sir, a long time; and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men.” May He do so in ours.
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