I have observed of late that everybody has a story. I’m not talking about the novel they haven’t
yet written, rather the thing that makes them special. It is most evident on reality television. (I
don’t watch a lot, just The Voice and Biggest Loser) I think, perhaps it is a
tactic to create empathy for the contestant, thus swinging the popular vote. Some of them are true examples of triumph
over hardship. Other stories are a
stretch – “Your parents are so mean that they won’t pay for ALL of your private
college tuition! How ghastly! You have to work a job? Incredible!”
When I complain that “Everyone has a story,” my son retorts,
“Well, yeah. Everyone does.” He is
correct, but what bothers me is that we forget to value the regular guy that
goes about his life doing his duty day-to-day without any sensationalism. His story might read something like this:
Steady Eddy was born in a regular town to regular parents
that made him go to school and taught him to work. Eddy grew into a responsible adult, married
his sweetheart and was faithful to her throughout his life. They raised four regular children who in turn
led regular lives. Eddy held a steady
job and made a modest yet dependable income.
He taught his children to fish and drive a standard transmission. His wife and children were secure in his love
for them and his devotion as he steadily provided for them. He never won a race. Eddy never wrote a best-seller, his name was
never in the news or on MSN, nor did he ever blame his lack of fame or social
status on anyone else. Eddy didn’t care
about fame. He simply loved his family
and went about his life caring for them.
As Bill Wilson might say, “To the world Eddy was just one person, but to
those who depended on him he was the world.”
Let’s hear it for Steady Eddy! He’s more valuable than you might know. I’ll bet he knew this secret!
Happy Reading!
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