The Motherlode

People ask me what cartoon is my favorite cartoon — and most days, it’s one I didn’t even draw. It’s of a miner digging for diamonds — but who gives up right before he strikes the motherlode.

Why is it my favorite? I think of that when I am tired and am thinking about quitting. I think of it when I think of what I’m going to do next. I think of it when I get up and push when I don’t want to.

Living in Mississippi, I see people working amazingly hard everyday. I see farmers out working their fields and workers who are balancing two and even three jobs to make things meet. They quietly keep fighting. I’m sure there are days when they’d like to give up because it’s too hard, too. But they don’t — because they can’t and because they’re too strong to quit.

I do a lot of things. Some better than others. And I used to believe that they all would lead me to that motherlode. But after this week — a week where I gave a bucket-list speech to TEDx, flew in a P-51D Mustang, signed books in two of the best bookstores in America, did a radio show, filmed for my TV show and traveled around the state — I figured something out:

The work itself is the motherlode.

I’m not sure what the future will bring. But I’m going to quit worrying about it so much. I’m just going to keep digging and enjoying the ride. The diamonds surround me.

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One Response to The Motherlode

  1. Monte Barton says:

    Colossians 3:23

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