Today
I share with you a simple, but reflective, anecdote...
A
blacksmith worked at his forge, using his well-muscled arm to
strike hearty blows on the hot bars of iron before him. His project
was a great chain, the kind used to hold the anchor of a mighty
ship. The blacksmith, although tired from the monotonous project,
continued in his work faithfully and well. Every link was made
of good metal, and all were soundly welded together. Months, then
years, went by and the chain is completed. Shortly after, the
elderly blacksmith died and was forgotten...
A
ship set sail out to sea and on its voyage, it is engulfed by
a raging storm. The captain ordered that the anchor be cast. Fierce
winds and high waves threatened the vessel. The entire crew, and
most of the passengers, knew their fate depended on whether the
chain would hold their ship to the anchor. All through the dark
night and raging storm the anchor held fast and at last, the storm
abated. All aboard greeted the dawn with gladness and hymns of
thanksgiving to God for their deliverance.
Does
this particular anecdote have a hero? Of course. The one who wielded
a simple hammer and anvil with skill and good conscience - steadily
doing his work and riding out the waves of his own life to create
the best he could for others.
How
many more unsung heroes are out there? You might very well be
one of those heroes too.