In the middle of the lush green countryside, a magnificent cathedral was being constructed. Halfway completed, it already dwarfed all other structures in the vicinity. Four stone columns rose high into the sky, with intricately carved patterns all around their surfaces.
The chief architect had a grand vision for the cathedral. Picturesque frescoes, stained glass windows, ornamented double-doors at the entrance were all part of his design. The hexagonal interiors would have a twenty-foot high vaulted ceiling. Rows of oil lamps would line the walls, with colors representing a rainbow.
The architect walked around the grounds, with a slow smile forming on his lips. Visitors would travel from far and wide to visit this cathedral. And they wouldn’t be disappointed. The cathedral would create a lasting impression on the minds and hearts of everyone who experienced it.
At one side of the construction site, the architect passed by three men toiling away. Each of them performed the same task over and over again. They took a piece of rock, placed it on a flat stone and hit it with an axe till it broke to bits. Each rock took several powerful blows before it could be broken. The strain showed on their arms and shoulders. Their breathing was heavy. Sweat poured down their bodies as the summer sun beat down on them.
The architect stood and watched them for a while. A task of such monotony and requiring so much physical effort would have driven him insane. He observed those three men labor continuously, without a word. Not knowing who he was, the laborers paid no attention to him.
When they took their lunch break, the architect approached each of the three men individually, and posed them the same question, “What are you doing here and why are you doing it?”
The first man answered, “I’m breaking these god damn rocks. I do it so that I can get money to buy some grub and a cold beer at the end of the day.”
The second man answered, “I’m making these small stones which will be part of that building over there. I’m doing it so that I can feed my wife and children.”
The third man answered, “I’m part of the team that is constructing this beautiful cathedral that is taking shape before you. When it is finished, people will come from all over the world to gaze upon this structure. I’m here to learn as much I can about how such a creation is built.”
On an impulse, the architect called his assistant and asked to take down the names of the three men, and to keep track of them over the years.
Four decades later, the first man, who had remained a laborer performing rough physical tasks, died after his body strength eroded over time. The second man had achieved a reputation of being a dependable though unambitious employee. He had retired and lived with his family in a simple house with modest comforts.
And the third man? There was no need to even inquire about him. He had grown to be a master architect who had created several constructions that had surprised and delighted people everywhere. His stature was growing by the day as was his skill and imagination.
*****
Don’t be the person who breaks rocks because he gets a paycheck. Be part of the team constructing a cathedral. Your perception creates your reality. Be conscious of the story you tell yourself about what you do.
