I am currently reading a stunning book by David Grossman, one of Israel's most prominent writers, who was awarded the German Book Trade's Peace Prize for 2010. I have not quite finished TO THE END OF THE LAND, the novel he wrote after his son was killed as a young soldier serving in the Israeli Army. I love that this impressive author, out of his own, his nation's, and the world's losses in war, not only explored the aparthaid that is current Israel-Palestine, and the deep grief and fear parents live in for their children, but also created the character of Akiva, for whom:
The local council had arranged a special job for him as "gladdener of the dejected"--that was what his pay stub actually stated, and he did this every day, six days a week. Even when they cut his salary in half this year, he did not cut down on his work; on the contrary, he added two hours a day, "For one must multiply acts of holiness, not diminish them."
I'd like to see "gladdener of the dejected" added to more job descriptions. Perhaps we can just call it "gladdener" and know that whatever our vocation is, our avocation or calling is also to bring joy to those whose hearts are weary or hurting.
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