I recently had the privilege of jury duty. Never convenient, it is, however, a small price to pay for citizenship in this great country. While it is tempting to find a way out—as some did during the winnowing process with only slightly less subtle rejoinders than, “Hang ‘em all, hang ‘em high”—I calm myself with this thought: If I ever was falsely accused and had to face 12 of my peers, I would want people with my values on that jury.
I was frustrated at being lucky 13, an alternate. I had to be there and attentive, but, as is true for too many places, someone had to die or retire for me to get in the game. So after both sides rested, I sat in the hall while 12 Americans deliberated the fate of a sad case.
I felt a heavy sense of loss as the evidence told of a wasted human life. Here sits a person born with infinite possibilities who, after a series of escalating offenses, will lose the freedom to choose for a very long time. And justly so.
I wonder when the switch was flipped and the descending path chosen. Could there have been different outcomes if, early on, someone inspired this human being to detect, develop and deploy unique gifts? Could a flame of good passion be lit and the ascending staircase climbed?
“We are all stewards of talent—ours and the talents of those we lead and influence.”
Finding and unleashing talent is job one today. Most Americans are stuck, unhappy, and disengaged at work. Too many self-medicate with alcohol or drugs—legal and illicit—to cope with undue stress, anxiety and/or depression. (Of course proper medication is required to correct chemical imbalances in the brain and body, but drink and drugs will never fix matters of the heart or spirit.)
To most, fanciful tales about those who combine passion, purpose, and career are like viewing someone else’s dream vacation on FaceBook or Instagram. We can only experience their joy vicariously because we are stuck in the back yard with a Bud Light, kiddie pool, and drooling Golden Retriever with sandy paws.
To feel hopelessly stuck is tragic, but it is buying into a myth and succumbing to learned helplessness. In this blessed country if you can dream it you can do it—too many rags to riches stories prove it.
So let’s get busy unleashing talent—ours and others. Who knows how many future verdicts we will change for the better.
