THERE’S something strange about Sir Covid; he’s laying low both the poor and rich for opposite reasons. The poor, because they want to work and have to go out of the safety of their homes to do so, and the not so poor because they don’t want to work while at home, and so have cooks, drivers, maids and others all around them increasing the risk of virus transmission!
A few months ago, before the lockdown, a carpenter was busy at home, making new windows for a bedroom. He worked along with his assistant whose job it was to bring the wood from the terrace, hold the nails patiently while his master hammered them, bring tea for their frequent tea breaks and other minor jobs. The second day my carpenter turned up alone, “My helper is sick,” he said. “I guess you’ll have to do the work alone,” I said. “No,” said the carpenter, “I’m going home.” “You can’t,” I said, “there’s so much to do.” “No helper!” “But you really don’t need one,” I said.
“Who will carry the wood from the terrace? Who will hold my nails? Do you expect me to get my tea myself?” “But you’ll lose a day’s wages,” I said looking at him helplessly as he packed his tools. “That’s okay,” he said, “goodbye!” Many years ago, a rider came across some soldiers who were trying to move a heavy log without success. Their corporal was standing by as the men struggled. The horse rider asked the corporal why he wasn’t helping. “I am the corporal; I give orders,” barked the man.
He dismounted from his horse, went up, stood by the soldiers and as they were lifting the log he pushed with them. With his help the heavy log was moved. The rider quietly mounted his horse, then went to the corporal and said, “The next time your men need help call me.” “That we will,” said the proud corporal with a sneer, “who are you?” “Your Commander-in Chief!” said the man as he rode off. After he left, the corporal and his men found out, it was George Washington!
Do we need a George Washington to change our attitude towards getting things done ourselves? Do we need a Washington to remind us that the less contact we make with others could be the difference between life and death? That all we need is to take the broom and clean the place ourselves?
Are we like that proud, stupid corporal? Or like George Washington, have no qualms of moving the log? Maybe something this virus scare could teach us is to start doing things ourselves, start becoming self-sufficient! How long till we realize a Washington attitude could save the lives of many of us?
