Giving of ourselves - Giving life

I was reading a blog newsletter from one of my favorite motivational speakers, Andy Andrews, who relayed a great story ("Christmas Cards, Killer Whales, and Cows") packed with the emotional impact that is truly awesome to hear during this time of year. I, like many others, hope that I can carry this kind of response with me every day of the year. However, I, like the rest, am often caught up with the busy-ness, urgencies, and priorities that I shuffle around to make it all "work".

I find myself being drawn to help those who are truly working to survive in this life, which is one of the reasons that Andy's Cow story touched me so. Jane, the precious woman in his story, was concerned about her guests, and that she did not have anything to share. The back story (I won't be a spoiler here) packs the gut-level punch that needs to revolutionize my thinking. If there is a new year's resolution lesson brewing for me in this, it may be to step up to another level of my labor and creative thinking, equipping my fellow man (and woman) to "simply live".

Linna and I have long been supporters of an amazing organization, called Agros. This year, before the heart-nudge of Andy's Cow story, I felt led to make a contribution in honor of my Dad, who passed away this last October. Agros, like many relief organizations, has a Christmas catalog to give a gift that can change lives in a direct and impactful way. This year, we gave the gift of a small business loan to help the women of central america. This is something my Dad championed throughout his life. In a memorial service for him, I had the current president of Rotary share with me how much Dad had encouraged her, in sticking up to the big guns (in a Navy town), holding her head high, and walking with courage in the great mission that Rotary is about. There he was, encouraging the people who want to live well and make a difference. I am still working through the death of my father, and I will be the first to admit my grief, however as the sweet new days wake me each morning, I am stitching together each of the attributes that made him unique in this world. I will perhaps create a post to introduce you to him and share the stories that are etched in my memory.

Peace to you and may you be blessed, challenged, and courageous in the new year. B.