Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel ~ DOING WELL WHAT OTHERS MAY NOT SEE ~ July 17, 2011
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | The Canteen Crew

Posted on 07/16/2011 5:15:03 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska


 

 

 

 

DOING WELL WHAT OTHERS MAY NOT SEE

In the New Testament scriptures, the Apostle Paul talks about the importance of striving for excellence. He writes, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8) Allow me to share with you a story about striving for excellence.

On one of the arches of a magnificent cathedral in Europe is sculptured a face of great beauty. Yet it can be seen only once a year when the sun is in a certain position and its rays stream through a small window to illuminate the exquisite carving.

It seems when the structure was being built, an old man approached the builders and begged permission to work on some portion of the great cathedral. He had been a well-known artist, but now his trembling hands and failing sight caused the architect to fear he would mar the beautiful edifice and turned him down. Some days later the old man returned, and again requested permission. This time out of respect for his age and reputation, the architect reluctantly agreed to allow the man to chisel a design under the shadows of the vaulted roof thinking no one would ever see it there.

For months the old man struggled up the scaffolding and worked with hammer and chisel on his back high above the floor. Because it was such an arduous climb for a man of his age, he would stay up all day and only come down in the evening. When at last he had finished, he insisted on one last climb just to make a few finishing touches. When he failed to come down by nightfall, the workers began to worry. Fearing something might have happened, they climbed the ladder only to discover his lifeless body still lying on his back with tools in hand. As they looked up, their eyes beheld the most beautiful sculpture they had ever seen, a piece which has since been deemed a masterpiece by authorities in the field.

One sculptor wrote, "This is the most magnificent work of all, for love wrought it." Although the builders thought no one would ever see it, each year when the sun is in one particular place, its rays stream through a small, high window and illumine this beautiful piece etched in the marble just like a spotlight. However, the greater miracle rests in the man himself. Although he thought no one would ever see the fruits of his labors, this old artist, out of honest pride and a quiet faith, strove for excellence. He gave the very best he had.

"Integrity," reads a Navy poster, "is doing well what others may not see." Under the dark arches of this great European cathedral exists more than an artistic masterpiece. There stands a living tribute to the character, professionalism and integrity of one man who strove for excellence without counting the cost or looking for a reward. "Character," it has been said, "is what you do in the dark." You may do your best before an inspection or a test, because you know your efforts will be assessed and scrutinized. However, would you give your all and do your best if you knew no inspectors were going to be present? That's what integrity and professionalism are all about.

CAPT Jane F. Vieira, CHC, USN


 

 



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; chaplain; military; troopsupport
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 last
To: Kathy in Alaska
A very pleasant good morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

((HUGS))Good morning, Kathy. How's it going?

61 posted on 07/17/2011 3:18:55 AM PDT by E.G.C. (Edward's Soft Rock Playlist: On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=A7A56731DE671E6A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: All

Welcome Troops, Veterans, Families, and Allies!
God Bless You and Keep You Safe.

Thanks, unique, for our troop blessing.

Near The Cross

Sweet By and By


62 posted on 07/17/2011 3:20:28 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: Cindy

A Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours, Cindy. Thanks for the links.


63 posted on 07/17/2011 3:26:35 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 59 | View Replies]

To: E.G.C.

Good morning, E, and good Lord’s Day to you. Any of your teams playing this time of year?


64 posted on 07/17/2011 3:28:06 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 61 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Nope, not yet. Later they will.


65 posted on 07/17/2011 3:30:33 AM PDT by E.G.C. (Edward's Soft Rock Playlist: On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=A7A56731DE671E6A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 64 | View Replies]

To: blackie; E.G.C.; Arrowhead1952; ConorMacNessa; Allegra; Mrs.Nooseman; beachn4fun; Jet Jaguar; ...



66 posted on 07/17/2011 3:54:55 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 64 | View Replies]

To: All
Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Thanks, unique, for the pastries.

Coffee is always on........

How about a donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?


67 posted on 07/17/2011 3:56:37 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Morning coffee bump.


68 posted on 07/17/2011 4:53:41 AM PDT by E.G.C. (Edward's Soft Rock Playlist: On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=A7A56731DE671E6A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska; txradioguy; StarCMC; Lady Jag; laurenmarlowe; tomkow6; GodBlessUSA; CelticLass; ...










Good morning to everyone at the Canteen. We only hit 98º at home yesterday, but most of the area had 100+.
Hoping everyone has a Blessed Lord's Day today.


69 posted on 07/17/2011 5:49:00 AM PDT by Arrowhead1952 (zero hates Texas and we hate him back. He ain't my president either.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Thanks Kathy!

{{HUGS}}


70 posted on 07/17/2011 9:27:20 AM PDT by blackie (Be Well~Be Armed~Be Safe~Molon Labe!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Phredd says.....woof! We are staying in.


71 posted on 07/17/2011 9:46:19 AM PDT by ColdOne (I miss my poochie... Tasha 2000~3/14/11)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Hope you have a good week too, Kathy! *hugs*


72 posted on 07/17/2011 10:40:31 AM PDT by DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis (Want to make $$$? It's easy! Use FR as a platform to pimp your blog for hits!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Amen


73 posted on 07/17/2011 10:40:51 AM PDT by DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis (Want to make $$$? It's easy! Use FR as a platform to pimp your blog for hits!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Arrowhead1952

Good evening, Arrowhead...((HUGS))...it sure has been hot for Texas lately. Hope you get some rain soon. How is the lake doing these days?

It has stopped, but we had about 3 hours of rain today. Quite nice.

A Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours. Hope Murfie is managing in the heat.


74 posted on 07/17/2011 8:03:04 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 69 | View Replies]

To: DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis

Good evening, Deo...((HUGS))...ready to take on the new week?

Hope you had a nice and relaxing weekend.


75 posted on 07/17/2011 8:09:53 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 72 | View Replies]

To: All
Click the pic for ….

Hall of Heroes: Leroy Petry, MOH



NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.

76 posted on 07/17/2011 8:45:08 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 75 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

A blessed Lord’s Day to you Kathy.

I hope all is well with you.


77 posted on 07/17/2011 11:24:36 PM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]

To: Cindy

Thanks....WE HAVE RAIN!! It rained several hours of good rain this afternoon, and then it stopped. But early this evening it started again, and we got several more hours. Very nice!

Hope your weekend went well.


78 posted on 07/18/2011 12:02:29 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 77 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Rain is good to keep down the dust and fire threat.

Yep, we had rain and hail a couple days this week, but today — sunshine.


79 posted on 07/18/2011 12:50:27 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 78 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Thanks Kathy. The lake is very low and there is only one public boat ramp open.


80 posted on 07/18/2011 5:56:29 AM PDT by Arrowhead1952 (zero hates Texas and we hate him back. He ain't my president either.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 74 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson