When I was a young boy, I remember my father telling me a story about the difference between contribution and commitment. I know many parents have told this story to their children. Quite possibly yours told you too.
I don’t recall if we were actually at breakfast when he told it, but growing up eggs and bacon were a standard breakfast. He said something like the following:
“Dave, it’s important for you to know the difference between contributions and commitments. I hope in your life you make many of both to our world. Think of them this way. When we have eggs and bacon at breakfast, look at your plate and know that the chicken made a contribution and a pig made a commitment. Son, as your father, I hope you do both, but if you are ever called to making a commitment, I hope you will.”
That story has been with me all these many years. Here’s what I think it means now.
We make a contribution when we: Pay taxes, do some public service, obey the law, support our democracy, if we protest something — we do it peacefully, and always look for a chance to help someone in need.
We make a commitment if we: Serve or have served in the military, go daily to our duties as a police officer or fireman, make the ultimate sacrifice and give our life in the afore mentioned, or WHEN WE VOTE.
As with the pig, commitment sometimes rises to the level of sacrifice of one’s life. Many Americans before us have paid this highest price.
ARE YOU PREPARED TO PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE IF CALLED UPON? IF NOT, WHY NOT?
Let us always remember that honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE. LET’S ALL VOTE!
. . . remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her. America’s best days are ahead of her. They always have been and always will be.
Dave
Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.
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