In most sports the best can tell you of those who can gone before them. It is as if the starts of the present have a strong sense of history, the values and traditions that the game represents, as well as their debt to what has gone on before. Tiger Woods can talk of the best of the game that went before him, almost in awe and reverence. Baseball players speak of those who made the game what it is today in quiet, respectful tones; seemingly reluctant to raise their voices as if they might offend. English football players, especially those who have been at the center of a special moment, never die or go away, they opinions, thoughts, and observations are forever valued and given a place of honor.
In other fields of endeavor, politics, medicine, and corporate life the sense of history can be lost but never completely. Even if someone has been forgotten the best of his or her work has not! Ideas, ways of doing something, and concepts live on, growing and changing in ways that the original author never intended or even dreamed possible. While I do not have a sense of how consistently true this is, the best of the best in each profession seem to have a sense of history, valuing what others have done before them.
With each conversation I am reminded of those that are creating history now. I have met a few in my life and I still hear the echoes of their words as if it was only minutes ago. Our conversations created an impression that still brings new ideas, concepts, and methods to the table.
“I sent you to harvest a field you never worked. Without lifting a finger, you have walked in on a field worked long and hard by others.” (John 4.38)
We have an opportunity to make a difference. Today we can make something unique, full of what we most value and prize. Treasure the work of others that made this possible. Go and make some music for generations to come!
