Who Is Counting On You?

While traversing this thing we call life, we often find ourselves torn between competing priorities. When I’m not writing, I serve as a senior-level executive at a nonprofit social services organization, and in this capacity, I’ve faced many such dilemmas. One recent Saturday morning, I experienced a moment that epitomized the essence of commitment, dedication, and self-sacrifice—qualities that shape not only our professional lives but our very character. 

That morning, I was preparing to attend my grandson’s VPK4 graduation at 11:00 AM, a milestone that represented the culmination of his learning and growth. However, just as I was getting ready, I received an urgent phone call from work. One of our truck drivers had called out sick, and the backup driver had also failed to show up and wasn’t answering calls or messages. To top things off, one of my managers was on vacation while the other was on medical leave. In that moment, I faced a critical choice: prioritize a once-in-a-lifetime family event or ensure that over 200 families would receive the food they depended on from our mobile food pantry.

The decision, while difficult, was clear to me. I quickly dressed for work, ready to drive the truck myself so that those 200 families wouldn’t go without food that week. Missing my grandson's graduation was heart-wrenching, but my commitment to our mission and my compassion for those in need guided my actions. 

Some might argue that family should always come first, and I’ve often espoused that belief myself. Yet, in this instance, I felt a deep sense of duty to serve those who were counting on us. This is not viewed as just a job; it is a calling that demands my attention and dedication. I envisioned the faces of families who would go hungry if I chose otherwise, and that thought fueled my resolve.

Throughout my career, I have made similar decisions, often to the detriment of my family relationships. My loved ones have sometimes questioned my priorities, feeling that my allegiance to work overshadowed my commitment to family. Looking back, I recognize that, at times, they were right. Yet, in this particular scenario, I truly believed I was making the right choice. 

It’s a sobering thought to consider prioritizing work over family. But this isn’t merely a work obligation; it’s about self-sacrifice for the greater good. While I often struggle with the notion of sacrificing for an abstract “greater good,” when it comes to feeding families in need, I can visualize the impact of my actions. It becomes personal and tangible.

As I drove the truck to the distribution site, I held onto the hope that I could still connect with my grandson. Perhaps my wife will record a video of the ceremony, or maybe I can FaceTime with him to share in his moment. I also hoped my team understood the sacrifice I was making, and that they would recognize the importance of commitment and compassion in our work.

In a world where many people prioritize their agendas, it’s unrealistic to expect that every employee will share the same level of dedication and compassion that I do as a senior executive. Each person has their conscience, priorities, and values. Some choose to make sacrifices for their commitments, while others do not. But I felt at peace with my decision, knowing that the families who would receive food that day would remain unaware of the personal sacrifice I made on their behalf. And that was okay with me.

So, who is counting on you? Do you have the dedication to show up when others need you? Are there people in your life who depend on you? Are you making the right choices when it comes to prioritizing those commitments? These challenging questions invite you to dig deep and reflect on your level of commitment in various real-life situations.

These are important considerations, especially when the stakes involve the basic needs of others. It’s not always about life-or-death situations, but rather the small acts of kindness that can have a significant impact on someone’s life. In my case, it meant ensuring that families in need wouldn’t go without food that week.

As the day unfolded, I received a surprise phone call from the employee who had missed his shift. He had overslept but was on his way. I instructed him to take a company van to the distribution location to take over for me, while I would drive the van back to the warehouse and jump in my car. This fortunate turn of events allowed me to fulfill both commitments: I was able to attend my grandson’s graduation ceremony and ensure that our families received their food.

The graduation ceremony was beautiful. It was a morning filled with pride and joy as we celebrated my grandson’s accomplishments. Simultaneously, I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that many families were receiving much-needed assistance. My team also witnessed an example of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, reinforcing the values we strive to uphold in our organization.

Life is filled with choices that test our commitments, our priorities, and our love for others. While we may not always get it right, each decision shapes our character and the world around us. The question "Who’s counting on you?" is one we should all take to heart.

My challenge to you is to be there for those who depend on you, whether in your professional role or personal life. After all, in a world that can often feel disconnected, the choice to care for others—through dedication, love, and compassion—can make all the difference.