Michael Mason was fourth from the top at the FBI; half of all 35,000 people employed by the agency reported to him. When he retired, he went to work as a CEO for a Fortune 500 company. He was doing “important” work. Retiring yet again, he wasn’t sure what he would do next. Then he heard about a widespread school bus driver shortage, and he got a new job. Today he drives a school bus.

Not all heroes wear capes.

Leland Melvin dreamed of becoming an astronaut but believed that “someone like me” would never be selected. He graduated with a degree in chemistry and began a professional football career. When an injury ended those plans, he applied to work NASA. He was accepted to the astronaut program. In a freak accident he lost his hearing; but that didn’t stop Leland. He flew to the International Space Station twice. When he got back to Lynchburg, Virginia, he made it his mission to never stop exploring and to inspire the next generation of explorers.

What is important work?

Is it shaping the culture of your company so employees can go home to their families fulfilled and happy?

Is it serving people as a doctor or a nurse?

Is it delivering mail or driving for UPS or FED EX to ensure people receive their letters, catalogs, packages, and newspapers?

Is it serving in the armed forces, keeping our country safe?

Is it teaching or volunteering at a school, nurturing children?

Perhaps, for some people, it’s simply showing up every day with a smile doing a job to the best of their ability.

We believe that important work has little to do with money, status, or assets. It has everything to do with learning why you were placed on this earth and what you can do to serve the needs of your community and your world.

What important work will you do today?

The road is easier together,