Do Something Today
2011 Team |
2012 Team |
As our team was nearing the end of the work, particularly for those with young children we went inside for a moment of conversation and prayer. Two boys, 8 and 10 asked what it was United Way did. The Executive Director Anna Murphy, whom I helped hire as Board Chair years ago gave a very detailed answer about health, education and income, the three core areas focused on by most local United Ways (they are not all identical by any means). Having served with this particular organization since 1994, when she finished giving the adult answer, I gave the short answer. "United Way helps other people do what Jesus did: Teach and heal others who have need."
Miles McPherson |
As someone who's been given a number of volunteer of the year awards I've always had a heart to make a positive difference in the lives of those God puts in front me. Doing something positive to make an impact in anyone's life isn't a once a year kind of thing, it's a daily philosophy of being open to opportunities to serve humanity. An external locus of control rather than internal. Society over self.
I had the opportunity Sunday to meet a young man currently volunteering with AmeriCorps for a year here at UWSM. He was a freshman when our middle son was a senior, and talked about how much he'd looked up to our son during that year as someone who helped others in the football program and around school.
Apparently the years as a father serving others rubbed off somewhat. I was speaking to our older sons today before they fly to Afghanistan this week to serve for a year. I shared the (now graduated) freshman's story and his comments. Our son's response was: It's my goal in life to leave the world a better place than when I arrived, on a daily basis. To make a positive difference in as many lives as I can.
By Jove, I think he's got it. We develop community one person at a time, moment by moment, together building the world we envision over the one we exist in. After all, we are one community regardless of geography.
By Jove, I think he's got it. We develop community one person at a time, moment by moment, together building the world we envision over the one we exist in. After all, we are one community regardless of geography.
Recommended readings besides Do Something and the Bible:
- Leading with Soul - Bolman and Deal
- Community: The Structure of Belonging - Peter Block
- The Community of the Future - The Drucker Foundation
- The Heart of a Leader - Ken Blanchard
- Future Search - Weisbord & Janoff
If you've never listened to Krista Tippett's On Being radio program, try her Ted Talk on compassion below. Today's a perfect day to start doing something.
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Thank you for sharing your worldview.