An epiphany in work ethics

Epiphany is a most significant (if not the most) religious festival in Ethiopian Christianity. Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) as it is called in this devout nation, symbolizes a transition in the most comprehensive sense of the word; from worldly existence to life everlasting.
Water is a motif that permeates in Judeo-Christianity. The purest waster is not really empty. This is not in defiance of universally accepted science which correctly informs us that quadrillions of micro-organisms could be detected in a single drop of H2O. We instead allude to the invisible yet present force that is found - symbolically and also literally, in the essence of water. To all Ethiopians and particularly to Orthodox Christians celebrating this holiday, the significance of water is embodied in the following promise by a man who was termed 'mad' because he lived alone in the deserts, subsisting on wild honey and locusts as he preached to the few who could bear to hear him.
'With water I baptize those who repent of their sins; but someone else is coming, far greater than I am, so great that I am not worthy to carry his shoes! He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Mathew 3:11:12
Timket, while as inclusive as any other religious holiday in Ethiopia, has particular resonance for youth, all of whom await the occasion with great anticipation. We should therefore take this opportunity to help our youth be keenly aware of the moral symbolism of Timket and that they not celebrate it as just another day of feasting, dancing and flirting at Jan-Meda. Let us tell them that the promise of John the Baptist was preceded with a precondition that the works only for those who do good deeds and are productive.
It is up to the rest of us to bring about this much needed awareness among our youth when we adults can call ourselves good role models. Young people will always be kids and need reminding that each holiday has an underlying lesson. How we can instill and propagate a culture of good deeds and upright citizenship is not beyond us. In fact, it is perfectly feasible with the concept of community based mentorship programs or CBMP, This is an initiative which originated in the United States- especially in areas populated by minorities, with the objective of installing life and leadership skills in neighborhood youth by pairing willing teenagers with adult role models.
This program can be implemented with a minimum of organizational expense as it is an entirely community based drive. Of course, it is all up to concerned neighborhoods to also believe that today's often troublesome and somewhat troubled youth can shoulder responsibilities they will inevitable have to carry.
The current working age population - the adult brothers, sisters and parents of today's youth, should lead by example. Lets be dutiful and responsible in the eyes of our the youth. Let us make them honor work instead of embarking on life paths of abandon and the satisfaction of instant pleasure as a means and an end.
We are at a historic juncture when Ethiopia watchers are predicting that our nation is poised to experience Asian levels of growth and prosperity.
Developing a strong work ethics is a must and also a requirement that was met and exploited by the so called Asian Tigers. If that is accomplished effectively nationwide, it will not be long before Ethiopia will be described as an African Lion. Happy Epiphany.!