But this man had set down with a hammer and chisel and carved out a stone water trough to last ten thousand years. Why was that? What was it that he had faith in? It wasn't that nothin' would change. Which is what you might think, I suppose. He had to know better'n that. I've thought about it a good deal. . . And I have to say that the only thing I can think is that there was some sort of promise in his heart. And I don't have no intentions of carvin' a stone water trough. But I would like to be able to make that kind of promise. I think that's what I would like most of all.
The passage reflects on a man's dedication as he carves a stone water trough designed to endure for ten thousand years, suggesting a deep-seated belief in a promise or enduring value. It acknowledges that the act isn't simply about the permanence of the trough but rather the faith and commitment that drives such an endeavor. The narrator contemplates the significance of this choice, recognizing it as a testament to the man's hope and conviction in a world that inevitably changes.
Furthermore, the narrator expresses admiration for this unwavering promise and reveals a desire to embody such commitment in their own life. This longing for meaningful dedication highlights a profound connection to the ideals the stone trough represents. While the narrator may not share the same inclination to create a physical monument, they aspire to uphold a promise that resonates through time, demonstrating the importance of faith in the face of inevitable change.
