Let The World Proclaim!

The efforts to make a mark in the world - whether that's just your little place on your street or something a little larger - seem to take up most of our time. We like to think we're something more than a bag of water waddling around from the time we wake until we again slumber. The cycle of a day seems to move monotonous, day after day, year after year... I really like to enjoy those days that actually are a little different. Are we better than what we do? Are we something more than the product of those days?


When I was a boy, I liked to hear about King Arthur. The story of a man who envisioned a world better than what he was given. A man who trusted more than he should. A man who paid the price for his ambition and trust.


In the story of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere gives this advice to Lancelot, the bravest of the Knights of the Round Table: “For I would not have you declare yourself to the world until you have proved your worthiness. Wherefore do not yourself proclaim your name, but wait until the world proclaimeth it.” 


There are times when no one will do your proclaiming for you. Generally, however, patience must prevail over the desire to stand up and boast greatness from the rooftops. The struggle to keep ambition at bay and remain humble seems to be one of constant concern.


Does anyone notice? Is there a point to this grand undertaking? Are we left to muddle through all this without any real reward?