Service above self

As I was finishing high school, most of the senior students in my high school, Arthur County High School, were pondering what to do next. There were 12 of us who were graduating back in 1968, 11 boys and one girl. Several of us went to McCook Junior College and began our studies there. I loved the sciences, so one of my first classes was Analytical Geometry and Calculus. Probably not real smart, but with a lot of studying I made it. So I started taking chemistry and physics-related courses. I kind of had it in the back of my mind I wouldn't mind being a teacher. Not sure where or at what level. But I also kind of wondered about working on some big ranch and being the foreman or the guy who ran the outfit. Dad did custom haying for a big cattle ranch, the Triangle Ranch, in Arthur County. Back then the Triangle consisted of close to 54 sections. The foreman at the time was Mert Phillips, who I admired even though he was no close kin. But at the time I wouldn't have minded being a professional fishing guide on Lake McConahey which was a huge body of water down close to Ogallala, Nebraska. I also loved to hunt coyotes but didn't see any way to make a living hunting them and selling the hides.

But in all my future plans, I don't think making a lot of money or getting rich ever crossed my mind. Money was important because it could buy me horses or guns or fishing stuff or even a boat, but money was never the reason why I went to college or did what I did. I wanted enough but never thought about making more than enough. Back then I didn't think about owning a fancy car or pickup. But now a new rifle for coyote hunting or a new horse from Haythorns would have been more than just OK.

I think back then most everyone I was around was in the same boat. The classmates and friends of mine who went into ranching did it because they enjoyed ranching, knowing they would probably always be poor. Most make a decent living, but I can't think of a one that is rolling in the dough. One friend went straight into the service. The one gal in my class ended up being a welder and working in Alaska. One went on and became a pastor, which I eventually became as well. But I don't think any of them did it for the money. They did it for more than money. They did it out of a sense of satisfaction that they were making a difference in this world. There was a joy about doing what you love to do even though some call it work. Kind of like a good wife and mother. She will at times work herself ragged with long hours and unending tasks and jobs but at the end of the day she will feel fulfilled and at peace. We have known some nurses who fit in this category as well. I've always admired nurses. My one sister went to nurse's school in Hastings, Nebraska, and was studying to be a nurse. But the right guy or the wrong guy, depending on your opinion, came along and she got married. She was working for a doctor up in Hyannis, Nebraska, when I needed a doctor. I remember her helping Dr. Howell sew up my knee when I'd sliced it open. Most don't do it for the money. Most are nurses because they care and want to make a difference in this world.

Many enter their life-long profession knowing that they might make a decent living, but many realize they will always be poor. On my journey through life I eventually felt a calling to study and become a pastor knowing full well I'd probably make a living but would never get rich. It's like the fulfillment one gets from the profession is more important than the hourly wage or the total wages on one's W2.

So what happens when the passion and desire to make a difference is replaced by the hunger or desire to make more and more money? There is a difference, and I think a big difference. This may sound crazy, but when I walk into a coffee shop and order a poured-over coffee I am wanting a good cup of coffee. And I think it makes a difference when the barista honestly cares about how the coffee will taste. If they love coffee they will make a better cup of coffee. Anyone can cook a steak, but a real steak lover can really cook a steak.

I honestly think the real danger in our world today is when we start out with a desire to serve and to make a difference and to impact lives and that is replaced with a hunger for more wealth or position or status or self-acclaim or greed or personal benefits. No longer are we serving but now we want to be served. Instead of striving to help others we are striving to better ourselves. In essence we have become the center of our universe. I don't believe it matters what profession this applies to or what field of study or work.

Once we have become infatuated with our self, we will never make enough money or have enough houses or possessions or wield enough influence and power. There will, in my opinion, never be enough of whatever to satisfy our hunger for more. If we truly want to be happy and satisfied, we should serve where we are planted.