When people invest their time in worthwhile pursuits, the benefit to humanity becomes palpable.
Charles Richards said, “Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only so many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets a week’s value out of a year while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week.”
Serve to Change Lives is the Rotary theme of the 21-22 Rotary year. How does this simple statement help to encapsulate what Rotarians do? When I think back to the people who have influenced my life, it’s the givers who I remember most.
My parents – neither was perfect, rich, nor brilliant. Yet both gave selflessly of their time, talents and common sense to help our family understand what truly is important. And as I reflect, I realize that many people today, especially after this year of natural disasters, wars, social strife and the pandemic, are left orphaned and alone – I am blessed. ...
The teachers – who took a little extra time to explain a concept until the idea solidified. Again, these last 15 months bring to mind the challenges of the new normal of virtual learning and how the challenges of unequal resources have spotlighted the gifts that I enjoyed and benefited from. The simple ability to go to the library to look for a book to read. The ability to read, when others have learning disabilities or are unable even go to school – I am blessed.
The friends – who truly gave of themselves to understand why a series of unreasonable fears held me back and in turn helped me work thru the fears. When I traveled to a new state where I knew only two people, one my husband, the other my realtor, it was Rotary and the connection of like-minded individuals who helped me to overcome the loneliness and isolation. And yet, in every corner of our community and the world there are people who need a kind word, a genuine interest in them and a willing smile to help them to understand that they are not alone – I am blessed.
This Rotary Club was founded on the commitment to give back and support the members of our community. In so doing we become the givers in the lives of others. We give of our time, talents, compassion and resources to help others to grow, understand and enrich their lives and in so doing, pay it forward to help our fellow man. Rotary is a complex concept with a simple message. A simple message which we all feel, exemplify and strive to manifest every day.
Please join me in the Four Way Test of the Things We Think, Say and Do.
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Mother Teresa said, "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."
Please join me in the commitment to Serve to Change Lives, here and throughout the world. Thank you