nwalii feaiseU I PIVINE W< I Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/howtobededicatedOOforn HOW TO BE DEDICATED iy!j^ussell J.Torrm>alt NIHIL OBSTAT: J. Kemper, S.V.D. IMPRIMATUR: Albert G. Meyer Archbishop of Chicago First Printing 25th Thousand I960 DIVINE WORD PUBLICATIONS TECHNY, ILLINOIS HOW TO BE DEDICATED “What’s a good career these days?’’ asked Bob Gordon who came to my of- fice one morning for help in choosing his life’s work. Bob was in his last year of high school, and he’d never given much thought to vocational planning. “Any career can be good,’’ I replied. “I mean it can be good for some one. Just what do you mean by good?’’ “Well, I mean something that pays well at the start,’’ Bob explained, “and where you can get a raise at least every six months.’’ Within five minutes I knew Bob’s philosophy of w'ork and of life—get the most, give the least. It is the philoso- phy of crass materialism, and it is ram- pant in the world today. Every year hundreds of young people come to my office for vocational guidance. They come with the idea that a career is for getting rather than for giving. The philosophy of materialism or getting is contagious, and many boys and girls both in and out of the Church seem to have caught it. Many children are money-conditioned since birth. When most people today talk about their jobs they talk about what they get or don’t get. They get all the legal holidays. They get overtime. They get free life insurance, physical examinations and hospital care. They get coffee 2 tSegctdifJed breaks, rest periods, sick leaves, and paid vacations. They get a raise every three months, stock in the company or a bo- nus at Christmas. We measure success all too often in dollars and cents rather than in terms of service. Seldom do we hear people talk about craftsmanship or the pride of accomplishment. Gone is the spirit of dedication. Missionary zeal has be- come a museum piece. ‘‘Five o’clock Fri- day” is all millions of jobholders look forward to because it means another pay check and two days off. When we put too much emphasis on money and the material rewards of a vocation we are cheating both God and ourselves. We are failing to render “unto God the things which be God’s.” And, at the same time, we are depriving ourselves of a grand and glorious oppor- tunity. For giving j vocationally or otherwise, is not only our sacred duty, it is a great privilege. As Bob and I continued our conversa- tion I told him the best career was the one to which he could give the most. For a few moments he looked at me a little puzzled. “Give !” Bob finally exclaimed. “Are you kidding? People work to earn a liv- ing—to get money.” “That’s very true,” I agreed. “But Fd like to tell you something. Bob. 3 Work can be more than earning a living. It can be living.” “Nobody likes work,” Bob blurted out. “People take jobs so they won’t starve, and they do their living after work.” “Many people do not like their jobs,” I remarked, “and often it’s because they have jobs which afford plenty of oppor- tunity for getting but not for giving.” Bob thought for a moment and then said, “You talk a lot about giving. Does that mean I should become a priest or a missionary?” “Not at all, my friend,” I replied. “You may have what it takes for build- ing bridges, editing a newspaper, raising cattle or repairing automobiles. You see. Bob, God has given out all kinds of talents for He needs all kinds of work- ers. Of course, if you have the talent and temperament to give to the priesthood, missions or some other church vocation, then that’s where you belong. But perhaps you’re better able to give to medicine, laAV, teaching, en- gineering, cabinet making or selling.” “That all sounds very good,” Bob commented. “But tell me one thing. What have I to give?” “Plenty,** I replied. **You surely have some interests. Everyone has. You have favorite subjects in school. You like certain sports, clubs, games and activi- 4 ties. You prefer some kinds of books, movies, magazines and TV programs. And I’m sure you have a few hobbies.” “But what’s all that got to do with choosing a career?’’ Bob inquired. “Our interests, likes and dislikes,’’ I continued, “are like built-in sign posts. They tell us what we have to give, vo- cationally speaking.” “I’m beginning to catch on,” Bob smiled. “Well, then, let’s try on a few just for size,” I said. “Of all the toys you ever had. Bob, which one gave you the most kicks ?” “I’d say it was the chemistry set I got last Christmas,” Bob answered. “I even do experiments that aren’t in the book.” “Well, that’s one sign post and a good one,” I pointed out. “Now, tell me, what subjects in school interest you most?” Bob thought for a moment and then said, “I've always liked math and science, and I got my best marks in them, too.” “And when you go to the library what magazines do you head for?” I continued. “My favorites are those books on practical and everyday mechanics. I read them cover to cover every month,” was Bob’s quick answer. “Well, let’s begin adding things up 5 You like to play around with chemicals and think up new experiments. That shows some inventive ability, imagina- tion and initiative. Your best marks are in science and math, and you go for the magazines on mechanics. Looks to me. Bob, like you have a lot to give, say to chemistry or chemical engineer- ing.” ‘‘Thanks a lot,” Bob said as he left my office that morning. ‘‘You’ve helped me a great deal.” “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two and to another one. . . Matthew 25.15 . . For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required. . . .” Luke 12.48 Choose the career to which you can give your talent, training and temper- ament. You may like to putter around in the kitchen, and that’s good. You can use your creative ability in baking and cook- ing. As you know, people are creative in many ways. Some compose music. Others write novels, poetry, plays, short stories or TV scripts. Many give their creative ability to photo- graphy, costume design, sculpture, or commercial art. Of course, not everyone is creative enough for the demands of many careers. But there are all kinds of aptitudes 6 and abilities. As you know, one fellow may like to fix broken alarm clocks, install plumbing, repair radio sets, build houses or tune-up automobiles. These jobs need people who can give both interest and mechanical aptitude. You may have a flair for working with figures. It’s known as clerical apti- tude, and you can give it to such occu- pations as bookkeeping, accounting, statistical typing, and business ma- chines operating. Perhaps you’re the “social service’’ type. That is, you enjoy helping people in one way or another. If that’s the case, there are many careers to which you can give youi talent. Recreation leadership, camp directing, nursing, marriage counseling, boy or girl scout work, family service, social caseworker, and settlement house work are just a few. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6.33 The kingdom of God, vocationally speaking, is the job or career to which you can fully give your talent, training and temperament. Whether your work is baking, banking, boot blacking, butch- ering or bookkeeping makes no differ- ence. Serve the Lord to the best of your ability, and the material rewards 7 will be added unto you. In fact, for the Christians a job well done is its own reward. Too often we allow ourselves to be sidetracked when it comes to choosing a career. Instead of making the choice on the basis of what we have to give, we succumb to external pressures. Yes, fear of what the neighbors may think can be a terrific pressure. It can cause us to go overboard in buying clo- thing or a house or car. It can cause us to go bankrupt financially, morally and spiritually. It can cause us to enter vocations to which we have nothing at all to give. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God.” That is, choose the career to which you can really give yourself. “And all these things—such as increments, overtime, bonuses, profit sharing and paid vacations — shall be added unto you.” That’s not a pressure; that’s a promise. But you’ll find seeking the kingdom of God to be such a pleasure and privi- lege in itself that material rewards will pale into insignificance. A few weeks before he passed away Cecil B. deMille, famous movie pro- ducer wrote me as follows “As I look back upon my life from my present age of 77, I find that the things in which I take the deepest and most lasting satis- 8 faction are the things that involved giv- ing more than getting. Any young per- son who tries to be guided by that prin- ciple will find that it pays dividends of the only kind he can take with him.” Every great religious leader and philosopher has said “giving never im- poverishes the giver” or “the hand that giveth, gathers.” When we work in that spirit of givingness our physical and ma- terial needs will be well taken care of. Remember when the Russians sent up that first “Sputnik?” Remember how excited everyone in this country got ? “Boys and girls should study more science” was the cry of educators and government officials everywhere. Schools and colleges were flooded with posters and pamphlets on “Careers in Engineering.” Perhaps you saw some of them. Maybe “counselors” even tried to sell you on the idea of becoming a scientist. “Just sit down and relax,” I would say to boy after boy as he came to my office all excited about a career in science. “Uncle Sam doesn’t want us all to drop everything and become engineers or phy- sicists any more than God wants us all to become ministers. Sure, our govern- ment needs plenty of scientists if we’re to keep up with those Reds. But our country needs good scientists. Not everyone has an aptitude for mathemat- 9 ics. Not everyone has such personal qualities as accuracy, love of detail, and inventive genius which make for a good engineer. Not everyone should or can go to college. In other words, let’s not be stampeded. We all want to be patriotic, I know, and we all want to serve God and country to the best of our ability. But we serve best when we are in our right place. And our right place is the job to which we can give the most. It’s just as patriotic to be a really good shoemaker, chef, window washer or truck driver as it is to be an engineer working on atomic energy, jet planes or space ships.” It has been my experience that the professional promoters of occupations place entirely to much stress upon such factors as high pay, short hours, social prominence, beautiful offices, and early retirement. Of course, it is desir- able for boys and girls to be fully acquainted with the world of work. But in the last analysis the $64,000 ques- tion for every career chooser is “What have I to giveT'^ Career choices made under the pres- sure of social prestige, family tradition, propaganda, money or parents’ desires are apt to be lifelong mistakes. Perhaps at this stage of life you may not be fully acquainted with yourself. You may not really know just what you have to 10 give in the line of vocational aptitudes, special skills, and personal qualities. If that is the case, I would suggest that you seek help from a guidance counselor in your school or college. Not so long ago Stan Kenmore, about 18, came to see me. He wanted to know if I could help him get into the movies. He was dead serious and deter- mined. “Don’t you know someone in Holly- wood you could write a letter to?” Stan asked rather innocently. “Well, I don’t know anyone person- ally,” I replied, “but we could take a chance. First, though. I’d like to know what you have to give. I mean, have you any special talent, training or technique ?” “Well, really nothing like that,” Stan replied sort of hesitatingly. “But I think I can give Hollywood something that no one else can.” “What’s that?” I asked eagerly. “Well, my friends all say I look just like Elvis Presley. See, I’m even letting my hair get real long. How do you like these sideburns ?” “They’re all right,” I said approv- ingly. “But Hollywood already has one Elvis Presley.” “Oh, I’m sure they could use ano- ther,” Stan said enthusiastically. “Could you send my photo along? I’m sure that 11 would help.” ‘‘Stan, I don’t want to sound dis- couraging. I’m all for anyone with am- bition. But I’m sure Hollywood doesn’t want another Elvis. Know what they’re really looking for?” ‘‘No, what?” Stan asked with his face lighting up. “Give those producers out there an original Stan Kenmore. Every movie maker is looking for an innovation—not just an imitation,” I replied. ‘‘Then w'hat should I do?” Stan wanted to know. ‘‘Find out what you have to give. Perhaps you can give Hollywood a sing- ing, acting or dancing style that’s never been seen or heard before. When you know what you have to give, then we’ll write to Mr. Producer,” I suggested. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, end running over. . . .” Luke 6.38 If I were to put the Bible message to mankind in just one word, I would choose the word “give.” It is the pass- word to happiness, health, harmony and heaven. In verse after verse we are told to give unstintingly and unselfishly. That not only means at Christmas time but all during the year. Also, giving doesn’t only apply to material things such as money, clothing. 12 candy and toys. It goes way beyond the material. You may give just a smile or a kind word to someone, and you may be doing more for that person than if you gave him a million dollars. To be successful in getting and pro- gressing in a job it is necessary to give. Be liberal with your talent, training, and time. Successful people in all lines of en- deavor tell us to give. Recently I corre- sponded with some of them, and here’s what they say we should give ; LOVE. “A person must have a love for whatever work he is doing. I am of the opinion this is the one thing to keep in mind. If we don’t love what we are doing, it’s not going to be easy to make a success of it.” Jackie Robinson, former Brooklyn Dodger baseball player and now executive of a New York City restaurant chain. ENTHUSIASM. “Give enthusiasm to your work, and that ought to be enough.” Lowell Thomas, radio news commentator. DEDICA TION. “In my humble opin- ion, enthusiasm and dedication to pur- pose will overcome many other short- comings.” Jerry Lewis, motion picture actor. INTEREST. “I believe that interest in one’s work contributes most to an individual’s satisfaction with his job. 13 and his likelihood of success.” John F. Kennedy, United States Senator from Massachusetts. SERFICE. “The person who gets the most out of life is often the one who does most to promote the happiness and well-being of his fellow men, and he can best do this if he is happy in his own work. There is no truly worthwhile career in which the opportunity to help others is not present, whether it be in science, the professions, business, the trades, government or agriculture.” Ezra Taft Benson, Secretary of Agri- culture. SPIRIT of ADVENTURE. “What- ever course today’s youth have chosen for themselves, it will not be a chore but an adventure, if they give to it a sense of the glory of striving—if their sights are set far above the merely secure and mediocre. In one’s personal life, as in world affairs, appeasement can be the shortest road to defeat.” David Sar- noff. Chairman of the Board, Radio Corporation of America. Usually we speak of the priesthood, missions, and a number of other church vocations as “callings.” We refer to them as “callings” because we feel that somehow or other God “calls” people to the service of the Church. But, in a Avay, God “calls” all of us. He calls us to that career to which we can give the 14 most. He beckons us enter the field to which we can give our love, interest, and talent. “// a man love the labor of any trade^ apart from any question of success or fame^ the Gods have called him.^^ —Robert Louis Stevenson A “calling” may be said to be that career to which we give the best in us in the service of others. It is the voca- tion to which we give ourselves—even our very lives, if need be. For some the work of policeman, fireman or soldier is a high and noble calling. Anyone of the three must be willing at all times to give his life in order that others might live. The window washer atop the Empire State Building, the miner who works down in the coal pits, the night watch- man in a bank, the nurse who risks con- tagion, the postman who delivers mail in all kinds of weather, and the woman bending over all day in the rice fields are ready, in a sense, to die for us. They are willing to serve in hazardous occupa- tions in order that our lives might be more comfortable and enjoyable. Surely they are giving out with love. And, ^'Greater love hath no man than thiSj that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15.13 It is rather unfortunate that some jobs, namely the professions, have great- 15 er social status than others. Attaching too much importance to “white collar” careers detracts from the dignity of such jobs as porter, charwoman, bus- boy and messenger. For in the eyes of God, r’m sure, there are no ^‘prestige” positions. / had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God^ than to dwell in the tents of wickedness ^ Psalms 84.10 Pm sure you’ve read about TV pro- ducers who rig quiz shows, butchers 'who give short weight, accountants who falsify income tax returns for prof- it, policemen who accept bribes, cashiers who cheat on change, contractors who charge high prices for inferior materials, and loan sharks guilty of usury. These fakers, fixers and phonies are few in number to be sure. And sooner or later their day of reckoning comes. ^^This span of life was lent for lofty duties^ not for selfishness ; not to be whiled away in aimless dreams^ but to improve ourselves and serve man- kindP —Sir Aubrey De Vere, Irish poet. It is the sacred duty of every Chris- tain boy or girl to become all he or she is capable of becoming. For some this may mean many years of study and sacri- fice. It may mean the denial of pleasure. But failure to develop ourselves to the 16 fullest will certainly bring down God’s wrath upon us. ‘‘‘'And cast ye the unprofitable serv- ant into outer darkness . . Mat- thew 25.30 One person’s talent might be packing soap in boxes. Another’s might be feed- ing paper into a printing press. Some- one else’s talent might be folding shirts in a laundry, making up beds in hotel rooms, or delivering telegrams. Seeming- ly such talents are small, but let us not regard them as unimportant or insigni- ficant. Let me tell you about a personal ex- perience. Several years ago I was in Chicago on important business. 1 was to meet some ‘‘big” people, and I wanted to make a good impression. Do you know that it took at least ten people to help me make that good impression? The dry cleaner who pressed my suit, the laundryman who ironed my shirt, the salesman who sold me a tie, the ho- tel bellboy who brought things to my room, and the barber all helped to get me ready for the occasion. But when I was just about a block from where I was going I noticed that my shoes were not shined. I quickly spotted a shoeshine boy on the street, and for five minutes he was the most important person in my life. He made my good impression complete, although 17 he will probably never know it. The part some of us play in the world of work may indeed be small. It might be nothing more than tightening a nut and bolt on an automobile as it rolls past our station on the great assembly line. But without that particular nut and bolt that car might never run. And so it is with life. We are all on an assem- bly line. What we have to give might seem small, but it is important to the whole. The laborer who cracks rock or lays brick is doing something greater than menial work. He’s giving his talent to the building of a beautiful cathedral, skyscraper or apartment house. He’s doing more than piling stone upon stone or brick upon brick. He’s giving his tal- ent so that people might worship God in a church edifice, so that boys and girls might attend school, so that the sick can be taken care of in hospitals, and so that children without parents and the aged can be taken care of in special homes. The man working atop a high scaffold risks his life in order that others may have life and have it more abundantly. The printer does more than set type or run a press. Through his craft he gives to our education, recreation, and spiritual development. His talent is needed to produce Bibles, prayer books. 18 missals, catechisms, and other literature for our church. The printer makes the work of missions possible. He gives us our high school and college textbooks, newspapers, magazines and encyclope- dias. Without the printer few of us would amount to very much. We would be living indeed in “The Dark Ages.” Consider the teacher. She does more than impart knowledge. She does more than show boys and girls how to add, spell, read or write. What she teaches, of course, is important. But she gives to the building of citizenship and char- acter. She prepares today’s children for tomorrow’s positions of leadership in the church, business, education a‘nd gov- ernment. Somewhere in the United States to- day there’s a teacher who has in her classroom a future President of the United States. Other teachers have future governors, scientists, missionar- ies, and ambassadors to other countries in their classrooms. How important it is, then, for the teacher to give her best to her profession. How important it is for all of us to give out utmost to our vocation or calling. Upon the dishwasher in a res- taurant may depend the health of an entire corhmunity. The life of a child is often in the hands of a baby sitter or nurse. Tbe safety of apartment bouses. 19 theatres, and other buildings depends upon the integrity of inspectors of materials. Often I meet and counsel with peo- ple who feel like “little cogs” in their offices or factories. They feel unimpor- tant because their jobs lack the glitter, glory and glamor of the Hollywood movie actor. They feel insignificant alongside the corporation executive, banker or lawyer who makes $100,000 a year. They have a sense of frustration because their jobs do not offer the ad- venture and excitement of the deepsea diver, jet pilot, explorer or locomotive engineer. But in the sight of God what we get from our work is not near so important as what we give. In the sight of God the dedicated and faithful scrubwoman is just as important as the high salaried executive or Broadway actress, and per- haps even more so. “And he saw also a certain poor wid- ow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in mojre than they all.” Luke 21.2 and 3 However small your vocational tal- ent, give it all. Some people have cer- tain mental or physical limitations. They may be able to do no more than a simple one-operation factory job. But 20 when they do it faithfully, they are like the widow who cast in all she had. The world of work is like the works of a watch. As you know, a watch needs mainsprings and “big wheels.” But every big wheel is made up of a series of little cogs. And, if just one cog is missing, the entire movement fails to work properly. If it were not for the loyal elevator operators and janitors, the “big wheels” in our business and industry could not function. If it were not for devoted street cleaners, waste collec- tors and chimneysweeps, our nation’s health would constantly be in danger. Every piece in a stained glass window has something to give to the beauty of the whole. How vital are the pieces which may be only a fraction of an inch square! Take out just one and the magnificence of the window is gone. Your job and my job are like the small pieces in a stained glass window. We, too, give to the beauty of the whole—the whole of life. In one way or another we give to the health, safety, education, comfort, happiness or spirit- ual growth of the world. I like to think of w^hat Henry Brooks Adams said on teaching in his book, “The Education of Henry Adams.” He wrote. “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” But, in a sense, doesn’t that really go 21 for all of us? Can any of us afford to treat our job too casually? Can we af- ford to give less than our best? Today the laborer on a road gang may be patching up holes in the high- way. He’s earning the bread for his fam- ily and himself. But he’s doing a lot more. He’s preventing accidents on that highway and saving lives. He’s giving safety and pleasure to millions for years to come. Let your imagination wander a little, and you’ll see how important everyone is whether he’s president, por- ter or peddler. Perhaps your job is typing address la- bels for a religious publication. At times the work may seem tedious or monoto- nous. But yours is an opportunity for giving. You are giving comfort, courage and confidence to thousands of families. The literature you send out today may lead a man to God tomorrow. What greater gift could you give to the world ? And, then, Fm often asked, “Does giving really pay off?” or “Are we just kidding ourselves?” My answer to the people who ask such questions is “Why not try giving sometime?” For, in the last analysis, a person can only experi- ence the results of giving by giving, ^^Cast thy bread upon the waters: for^ thou shalt find it after many days.*^ Ecclesiastes 11.1 22 Several years ago I wrote an article called “How To Enjoy Your Job.” I sent it to one of those pocket-size self- help magazines. The editor returned my manuscript with a polite “Thank You — Come Again.” I tried about a dozen other magazines, and each time my mas- terpiece came back. I was getting a bit discouraged. One day while waiting for a train in the Hoboken, New Jersey, station, I browsed through some magazines at the newsstand. One in particular seemed to jump right out at me. It was a period- ical for independent salesmen, and it looked just like the ticket. I jotted down the editor’s name and address. When I got home I wrote to the editor and offered him the manuscript for free. I was anxious to see the thing in print. And I thought if I couldn’t sell it. I’d give it away. Several days later the editor sent me one of the nicest letters I’ve ever re- ceived. He said he’d use the article on a gratis basis. And, he asked if I’d be willing to do a piece every month for a new department called “Vocational Clinic” for which, of course. I’d be paid. “Would I be willing?” I said to my- self. I never answered a letter so quick- ly in my life. I’m still writing for that magazine, and as a result of the contact other doors have opened. 23 The message of the Bible is “give,” In fact, giving is the essence of all books on how to be healthy, happy, and suc- cessful. Give interest and enthusiasm to your job. Put love into what you are doing. Be loyal to your employer. Boost your company’s product or service. Be helpful to new employes. Offer con- structive suggestions to your foreman or supervisor. There are dozens of ways to give on any job. “His lord said unto him, IVell done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25.21. 24 Russell J. Fornwalt Mr. Russell J. Fornwalt is a graduate of Lafayette College and the Pennsyl- vania State University. He was vocational guidance director and instructor in occcupations at Wilson High School In Easton Pennsylvania^and later he conducted a ''Vocational Clinic" for Sales- man's Opportunity Magazine, to which he still frequently contributes articles. He has written for such professional journals as Mental Hygiene, Counseling Psychology, School & Society, and many others. Between March 1955 and February 1956 he edited Juve- nile Delinquency Digest, a monthly newsletter He is also the author of a series of guidance pamphlets for teenagers. At present he is a vocational counselor for. Big Brothers, Inc. in New York City. HOW TO BE DEDICATED The Bible's message to mankind is "give." In "How To Be Dedicated," Russell J. Fornwalt, applies the Bible's message on giving to the choice of one's career. He shows that the true basis for vocdtional success and happiness is giving rather than getting. Any occupation can be a "calling" when a person discovers, de- velops and dedicates his talent, time and tem- perament to the glory of God. Your career can be your greatest outlet for giving. Through it you can express not only your talent but your love. Even though your talent be small it is needed somewhere in the great world of work. How important in the eyes of our Lord were the poor widow's two mites! Let your main concern in choosing your life's work be giving rather than getting. Let it be service rather than salary, the welfare of others rather than wages. When you work in the spirit of giving and loving your career becomes living rather than merely earning a living. ORDER FROM DIVINE WDRD PUBLICATIDNS TECHNY, ILLINOIS