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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
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