Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life (December 8th, 2023)

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When I was in college, I was a member of the Jaycees in my hometown. My brother was the President of the club so he was obligated to drag me along. At the end of every meeting, we recited the Jaycee Creed, the last verse of which is "Service to humanity is the best work of life." 

I must have repeated that phrase at least a hundred times but it never meant much to me until much later, because I had to grow up enough to gain enough perspective to appreciate it. 

That perspective is summed up in a brief note that was attributed to the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who may or may not have authored it, but the truth hits home nevertheless. 

Quote, "At this moment, lying in bed, sick, and remembering my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth I have is meaningless in the face of imminent death. I have the money to hire the best at any task, but I can't hire anybody to carry my disease. Money can buy you all kinds of material things, but there is one thing you can't buy, and that's Life.

As I got older, I realized a $300 watch and a $3 million watch told the same time, that with a $50k car and a $15 million car, we reach the same destination, that a $150 bottle of wine and a $1500 bottle give you the same hangover, and that in a house of 300 square feet or 30,000 square feet, the loneliness is just the same.

True happiness does not come from material things, it comes from the love we give and receive, and what we do for our fellow man.

In whatever stage of life you find yourself in now, be grateful and enjoy the little things to the fullest and treasure the love of your family and friends, give generously so that your community and the world is a better place, so that when the day comes and your curtain falls, you can carry with you the true wealth of this world."

My old boss Corky Howland, who I consider a friend and a mentor once told me, "Pierce, they don't put a luggage rack on a hearse for a reason. Nobody will remember you for what you took, they will remember you for you for what you gave." 

So in the spirit of the season of giving, and in the love and servitude to our fellow man, let's take to heart Proverbs chapter 22, verse 9, which says, "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor," and always remember, that service to humanity truly is the best work of life.