They Signed Their Work

They Signed Their Work

The signs on the north and west boundaries of these meandering streets say this neighborhood was established in the early 1900s, so I was quite late to discover its charms. As with most places, I found that I came to know it best when I traveled it by foot. There are discoveries to be made at a walking pace that come no other way.

Even while I’m looking down for errant roots or sidewalk cracks, there is still much to see. One time while crossing a driveway, I noticed an imprint near its curb that read, “Fred Brown, Contractor.” Then a few yards up the street, I saw another driveway poured by Fred. As I walked further, I noticed that F. O. Schuller had poured his share of driveways too. After I started looking for names, I began to see them everywhere—even on the steps leading up to my own front porch. Once upon a time, it seems, ordinary workers signed their ordinary work. I’m fairly certain they did not do so until the job was done and up to standard. And I wonder why they don’t do it anymore.

Fred and F. O. and the others once had companies bearing their own names. Their work product was, in effect, their signature. If it stood, their reputations stood too. Their names attested to that fact. I even imagine that if, years ago, you wanted concrete poured in this neighborhood, you could dial your rotary landline and even speak to Fred or F. O. personally about the work you needed done!

I sign some of my work but by no means all of it. Much of it is done anonymously for others. But these fellows who in days past signed the work that was their bread and butter have challenged me to do each bit of my own ordinary work as if my name were set in stone upon it. Then, long after I am gone, each word I have written will testify that once I worked for a living wage and was never ashamed for the work I did to bear my name. Would you sign your work today?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Colossians 3:23, NIV