Love Of A Career

Saturday. The parson had taken his walk with Charlie Brown, his faithful canine companion, and now sat at a local eatery. A big day was ahead, gutters to clean, lawn to be trimmed, new floor to be laid in the soon-to-be grandchildren room. Busy days require nourishment.

Charlie Brown, upon seeing or smelling, the local establishment plopped himself down on the rear seat of the car with a grunt, an audible grunt that communicated his boredom. The parson checked that Charlie Brown's water container was full then headed inside.

He wasn't ten minutes into his brunch when Eddie Pepperell entered. On seeing the parson he approached the table. Eddie was the son in a family the parson had knows for decades. Eddie's father and the parson had spent many days hiking through the forest of Northwest Georgia.

“Parson,” said Eddie. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all,” said the parson. “Have a seat.”

Eddie pulled out a chair across the table from the parson. He pulled himself up to the table and said in a quiet voice, “Can I talk to you, I don't know, maybe, as a pastor for a minute.”

“Sure, Eddie,” the parson replied, “anything wrong?”

“Well, Parson, it's like this. I think things may go wrong. And I don't know what to do about it.”

“What's going wrong?” the parson asked.

“Me and Wanda,” said Eddie. “I'm worried that our marriage won't make it.”

“Tell me about it,” said the parson.

“Okay, well you know I went to work two years ago as a manufacture's representative. I've really worked hard to build a strong number of business for whom I can provide them with needed supplies, advice, and such. The business has grown where I'm making a comfortable living.....”

The parson interrupted. “Your dad told me you were more than comfortable.”

Eddie studied the parson for a moment. “Okay, Parson, I'll admit I'm more than comfortable. I've been able to provide a great home for Wanda and the kids. And that's part of the problem. I don't think she appreciates what I've done. She's always complaining that I'm never at home and that when I am I bring work home with me. Look, I'm building the business still. Someday I can maybe bring the kids into it. Everything I do is to build my career in order to provide for them. But I'm just not appreciated.”

Eddie went on for a good while without the parson interrupting. It was a free flowing rant about him becoming successful and trying to remain successful, of him and his family needing him to establish a successful career. Then he concluded:

“So, Parson, I just don't know how to talk to Wanda about the importance of my career.”

The parson didn't say anything.

“Don't you have something to say? Some comment?”

“I do, Eddie, but I don't think you'll like it.”

Eddie stared. Then he said, “Try me.”

“Well, Eddie,” the parson said, “it's been my experience that no matter how much you are in love with your career, you career cannot love you back.”