Paying It Forward: Never See it All
Paying It Forward: Never See it All
What's below the surface, do we notice? Yet we're certain of where we go. So was the Captain of the Titanic.
When seeing an iceberg, our observations are based upon what we see; superficial without deep understanding. Most folks have dreams; some a plan to turn dream into reality. Key is hope, for without hope we wait, can’t start fearing failure, so fail to start. Unrealized, our dream dims.
We pass so many wonderful things, consumed by life, we don’t “smell the roses.” We take wonderful things for granted. The joy of a child chasing a butterfly, the care in a friend’s message. The richness of life, often unseen is clouded by intrusions, challenges and other’s priorities.
I’ve found the best volunteering is giving hope to others. It’s easy, just believe in another’s dream and encourage their action. Most folks have enough common sense to figure out a path to their goals and adjust it with new information. Try it, ask to help them with their dream. Watch them come to life with energy and enthusiasm. All one must do is listen then offer a bit of support and assistance. This support encourages action. Edison tried 1,000 times till the light bulb worked. Dream, Try, Do.
I found Reg and Bella with the Jolly Volunteer Fire Department hot dog fundraiser Saturday. Twelve volunteers, half of VFD and their fire truck came to Atwoods. Clay county is served by 13 VFD with most, like Jollym funded by donations. When fire strikes, time and lives matter, so boundaries are not as important as getting the fire under control for minimal impact.
Schools are out. Teachers wrapping up skills, content, and policy training gaining the knowledge to help them be successful and produce amazing students. Lots to do, Scouting, Nature Bend, Junior Police League, Vacation Bible Schools, Select Sports playoff, Oil Bowl, Art and crafts classes throughout area communities with weekend farmers markets and upcoming July 4th events.
How can all happen; like-minded volunteers required to gather and serve. Come join us.
Working together to make things better for others is a worthy goal; with focus, a goal that can be achieved through the power of many hands. Skills, Friends, Communities and a legacy that encourages like service from future generation.
My most notable quote this week, from fiction spy novel, “We determine who we are by what we do.” What will/can you do to make another’s future better?
Published Wichita Falls Times Record News, Trends Section, Sunday June 30, 2024.
Jack Browne is a community volunteer and former technology sales and marketing executive who worked 40 years at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies. How are the children doing?
