Sad Jobs

          A silver maple located in front of our Infirmary wing was cut down this morning.  I

t had been trimmed many times as it was under the former electric lines so it was looking sad and some branches had quit producing.  But it still had many green limps although for safety reasons it had to come down. As I passed one of the workmen sweeping up the leaves I remarked, “Sad job!” and he responded, “I love trees.”  What a dilemma to love trees and yet have to cut them down.

         I began thinking about other occupations that involve a degree of sadness: demolition crews, firefighters, undertakers, miners and road construction crews who have to rearrange the land, persons who have to deliver bad news such as illness or death, military persons.  Even those in airport security who have to inform you that your luggage has problems or the cashier that informs you that your credit has run out can be added to the low point of a job.  I’m sure you can add more. Perhaps you are living one of them.

        Some of those tasks seem like a recipe for depression!  What does it take to endure these positions?  Some ideas came to mind.  For some it is knowing that you are providing a necessary service.  Some present challenges which are definitely incentives for those who are problem solvers.  Ingenuity and creativity often come into play which upon reflection are life giving.  The worker develops a skill which is personally exhilarating and puts talent to use for good.  And the list goes on.

         How happy and grateful I am for those men and women who can face these “sad jobs“.   I pray for their safety and their perseverance.  I thank God for them and ask God’s continued blessings for such very special people. 

          Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB