Joan Moser
August 7, 2009
I was chatting with our friend Edgardo recently on one of those quintessential hot summer days. Even the bees were slow and lazy in the heat. I love those days as they bring back fond memories of our childhood. Edgardo was on his way to work, which is outside in the hot Arizona summer sun. I was daydreaming about our summers as a child when he asked what my plans were for the day. I scrunched up my nose (as I am known to do when I dislike something) and said, "Ugg, I have to work."
Edgardo stopped dead in his tracks and gave me a hard look. "Why do you look that way and talk about working like that? Do you have any idea how many people would give anything to have a job? My family, we love to work and are always proud of the job we do. I thought you liked your job!" I was so surprised by his comment that I stammered and stuttered, confirming that I DO love my job. He continued to shake his head and have a puzzled look on his face regarding my less-than-positive comment about working.
Then this past week I was talking to our dad. He is 86 years young and is still farming a very successful wheat farm in Eastern Washington. He was excited about getting ready for harvest. Having grown up on the farm and being part of harvest as a truck driver, I know how grueling this time of year is. I vividly recall the long hot days as well as the physical and emotional demands. Dad didn't let on that he was dreading the hard work ahead; instead he seemed genuinely excited and enthusiastic.
These conversations have continued to roll around in my head. How often does a spirit of negativity sneak into the culture of educators? Our work with children is joyful...and collegial relationships are rewarding...but sometimes we may let mundane staff meetings, yearly goal setting documents or other such mandates sideline us. No matter what job we do, there will be aspects that aren't our favorite.
I am determined to remember my conversations with these remarkable men this year. I know they too have parts of their job that are less than desirable, yet they choose happiness, they choose pride in their work and in a job well done. They both know all too well that 'work is worth', as I do.
Thanks Edgardo and Dad. Lesson heard, and learned.