Paying it Forward: No Thee in Me #118
“Think about the metric by which your life will be judged, and make a resolution to live every day so that in the end, your life will be judged a success,” Christensen advised graduates & audience.
Jack Browne, Wichita Falls Times Record News, Sunday June 1, 2025.
“How are you?”
“I had to put my dog down last night.” Last month at the convenience store, I exchanged those words with the sales clerk. Would you hear her response, or be thinking about which Lotto ticket you wanted?
The other customer in line and I looked at each other, then looked into the eyes of a person who was hurting.
“We are so sorry. We will pray for you and your dog,” we replied in emotional understanding of her loss.
I read daily. The bestseller “How Will You Measure Your Life” evolved from a 2010 graduation address Clayton Christensen shared with the 2010 graduating class of Harvard Business School. The bestselling author of The Innovator’s Dilemma, had just overcome cancer; the same disease that killed his father.
Instead of stories of disruptive innovation as shared with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, he focused on guidelines for finding meaning and happiness in life.
“Think about the metric by which your life will be judged, and make a resolution to live every day so that in the end, your life will be judged a success,” he advised graduates and the audience.
I volunteer, finding a wide range of opportunities meeting other’s needs in our community with many different organizations. My first half day with the North Texas Pantry was both fulfilling and tiring as I helped a dozen other volunteers distribute nutritious food to those in our community who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.
Once a month over 2,000 people, from more than 700 families receive food at the North Texas Pantry. Located at 903 Tyler St in Wichita Falls, the food pantry is open 9-11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The pantry has been operating since 1979 depending upon the service of about two dozen volunteers as well as the generosity of the community.
Demographically, over 700 households -- includes 600 children, 1,000 adults aged 18-59 and 500 seniors over the age of 60 -- receive much-needed food each month. Over 100 veterans receive support with 200 new clients each month as prior recipients move away.
Success of the pantry’s mission is dependent upon food received from the Wichita Falls Food Bank, as well as donations of food from local stores, and gifts of time and money from the community.
There is never enough food for those in need. Checks or money orders may be mailed to North Texas Pantry, PO Box 1962, Wichita Falls, TX 76307. Also check out NTXpantry.org for donation options
Don’t focus on “Me,” but upon “Thee” – serve those who need you now.
There’s no luggage rack on a hearse. Share your gifts while you can where you can. Make a difference.
Jack Browne is a community activist and past technology engineer, sales and marketing executive at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies.