Breaking his new commitment to retirement, the parson had traveled halfway across the state to speak at a civic club meeting. The exception to his rule was a response to the request of an old friend from high school. Now, the club meeting over, the parson walked with his friend Roger Gilbert across the high school football / soccer field. Roger had been anxious to show off the complex to the parson.
“Isn't it great?” said Roger.
“It's certainly impressive,” the parson responded. “Isn't this a little expensive, though?”
“Well, hell yes it's expensive, Parson. But over the years we'll save money. No more watering the field, no more cutting the grass, no more fertilizer, no more marking the field before every game. Eventually, it will pay for itself.”
“How long is eventually?” the parson asked.
“Well I don't know how long before the cost saving kicks in, Parson. It'll be a couple of years.”
“How much did it cost?”
“Well, the total cost, now, mind you this includes ground preparation, installation costs and some minor improvements to the stands, the cost was a little over a half million.”
“So, it's going to take more than a couple of years to recoup the cost?”
“Don't be a stick-in-the-mud, Parson. This field is not the envy of every school in this region. When visiting teams show up here they know we're serious about this sport.”
The parson and Roger had now exited her field and were walking toward their cars. Roger made his final point.
“Look back there, Parson,” he said, pointing to the field. “You have to admit that's an impressive sight.”
“It is, Roger; it is.”
“Well, I can't figure you out, Parson. You've played sports all your life. I'd think you'd be more responsive to our efforts here.”
“You know what would be really impressive, Roger, impressive not only to us used-to-be-jocks but to the entire population?”
“What?” asked Roger.
“It would really be impressive, Roger, if you guys would put this much effort into raising money to keep and recruit better teachers for your kids. Football for you and soccer for me lasted as long as our knees." The parson pointed to the classroom building a block down the street. "But the education, Roger, the education is forever.”
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