I always tell people that anything you did not work for is
probably not yours. Anything worth having comes at a price, and
nothing is free. Someone somewhere paid for it. The scriptures are
filled with nuggets to support this principle.
“ 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways
and be wise, 7 Which, having no captain, Overseer or
ruler, 8 Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers
her food in the harvest.
9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When
will you rise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little
slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— 1 So
shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And
your need like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:6-11)
The ant will work tirelessly to see its dream of a safe, clean and
well-fed colony and will defend that dream to its death! Our forefathers
and – mothers had this work ethic down to a science. They
would work three jobs if necessary to provide for their household.
Somewhere along the road, we did not teach this “me” generation
this most important value. Once again, the feeling of entitlement
without hard work, determination and dedication to a craft or profession
is missing in the inner city. Purpose in life helps to drive our
ambition for greatness. Without purpose there can be no greatness.
While in college, I work at the Boys and Girls Club in the
evenings. I worked at the main library on campus until closing
hours, which was 12:30 a.m. I delivered pizzas for Domino’s
certain weeknights and weekends. After college, I worked several
jobs to meet the needs of my household. So, I’m very accustomed
to putting in work, my friend. Even while in junior and senior high
school, I worked cutting grass, making pizzas at Pizza Hut and
various odd jobs. I have no empathy for folks who are unwilling to
put in the work necessary to build a dream.
Devin Oten
DO Enterprises
www.DevinOten.com
Writer, Public Speaker and Philanthropist
February 5, 2013