If Not You, Then Who?

Recently I put myself into a situation that demanded volunteers, and because I was the only person on the line who did not step backwards, I became the presumptive volunteer. Oddly enough (though it's becoming more and more common that I do this), the experience made me think about you. When the idea of service to a good cause scares everyone else, do you stand forward when no one else will?

Quite frankly, this particular service I'm now required to do scares me, too. Though in the grand scheme of things it is nothing compared to what George Washington was asked to do when the 2nd Continental Congress made him Commander-in-Chief of the military, I feel, as he did, completely inadequate to the task.

"I am truly sensible of the high honor done me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress from a consciousness that my abilities ... may not be equal to the extensive and important trust." - George Washington

And of course, in Washington's case, he wasn't, at least at first, able to carry out the duties expected of him -- at least, to the complete satisfactioin of Congress and the states (and some of his dubious subordinates).

Time after time he suffered military defeat. Happily for us, one of his major gifts was his willingness to subject himself to the sure promise of ridicule and execution for failure. And ultimately, we should honor his ability to persevere and inspire others to do the same.

What are our trifles compared with that?

Perhaps by putting things in such perspective, we can remember just how far a willingness to serve will overcome a temporary incompetence to do so. At least we can learn along the way.

If you esteem the opinion of others, at least take some satisfaction in knowing that people will remember your perseverance more than the stumbling blocks you met along the way, even if better qualified people, who would not serve, could have done a better job but for want of a sense of responsibility. - Cam Beck

Comments

[John Herrington]

Great post, Cambo. I think it's far to easy to stand back in the wings and complain about what's wrong then actually putting yourself out there in an effort to right a wrong. I know it's also easy to be scared of falling on your face, but like you said, people respect the fact that you persevere. Very inspirational for today, Cam.

[Tony Chimento]

Cam
You didn't tell us what it was you volunteered for? So, I am giving a few ideas of what I think it might be. Let the voting begin
1) Refreshment bringer for the soccer team
2) New anchor for the NBC 6:00 pm news
3) Being Santa next Christmas at the retirement home
4) Co-write a book with Seth Godin
5) Replace Emeril on the cooking channel
6) Vice President to McCain
7) Vide President to either Hillary or Obama
8) Brinney Spears life coach
9) Dancing with the stars next season contestant
10) Give Jason Kidd and the Mavericks some new plays on offense

[Cam Beck]

John - You are the gold standard for volunteers who also have professional careers, as far as I'm concerned. I'm just following your example. :)

Tony - You are soooo so close, except for #s 6 and 7. As General Sherman said, if nominated, I would not run, and if elected, I would not serve. But truth be told I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have anything to do with me, either. ;)

[Tony Chimento]

Cam. Typical of you politician types. Ducking the question. Laugh.

[Cam Beck]

Tony - I can neither confirm nor deny the possibility of a definite maybe. ;)

[Roger von Oech]

11) Defending the "surge" at a Code Pink fund-raiser?