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A famous jeweler once sold a magnificent ruby after one of his salespeople had failed to interest
customer. Asked how he did it, jeweler said, "My clerk is an excellent man, an expert on precious stones. There's just one difference between us: He knows jewels, but I "love" them. I care what happens to them, who wears them. The customers sense this. It makes them want to buy--and they do."
In such cases, of course, caring ultimately brings tangible reward, but great philosophers and religious leaders have always taught this paradox: The most rewarding form of caring is caring without hope of reward. Fortunately for mankind, world is full of people who go quietly through life performing, as Wordsworth put it, "little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."
The volunteer worker at hospital, unpaid canvasser for community chest, neighbor who offers to take care of your children while you settle a new house--such people have no ulterior motive and expect no recompense. They act because they care, and their actions--multiplied by millions--supply force that keeps human race moving upward from barbarism along path of growth.
There are people who say that if you care too much, you can get hurt. That's right--you win some, and you lose some. But alternative is a pretty bleak and uninteresting existence.
Recently nominated for the 53rd edition of The Marquis' Who's Who in America, Wendyl is also the author of Serve to Lead: Mastering the Leadership Style of Jesus. Wendyl invites you to visit his website and subscribe to his weekly journal at: http://www.servetolead.net
