Some people just know what they’re supposed to do when it comes to supporting a community. Donna Ginter knew for decades that it was her calling to serve Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Bryce Parks learned from his father the importance of giving back and now makes sure that every child in need has a Christmas gift waiting under the tree for them through his Toys for Tots program.
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that didn’t want to make a difference. In the end, isn’t that what it’s all about? Everyone wants to matter to someone or some thing. We want to know that we made a difference; that we’ll be remembered for the impact we made. We’re all difference makers you see, some just do a better job of showcasing it than others. Don’t believe me? Get in a room full of people. I don’t care who they are. Stand up and tell them what drives you most to make a difference. Maybe it’s mentoring. It could be working for a crisis center. Or maybe it’s being a mom or a dad. Let them see into your eyes the passion that you have. Look them back in the eyes and convince them that nothing gives you more joy than the weekly meeting you have with the child that you mentor at the Multicultural Center. Let the passion pour out of you. Flood the room.
Suddenly that room full of strangers are now your best friends. You are connected in a way that you don’t initially understand. Individuals you’ve never met are telling you and others about their love for character education. You’ve got people introducing themselves to you, wanting to tell you about the work they do at the Boys and Girls Club. A guy over in the corner is pushing back tears telling someone about the youth group he leads in his church and how last Sunday one of the kids pulled him aside and said “thank you.”
The room flooded with passion is coming. Very soon you will have a place in our community to go that will inspire you to do more…so much more. It will be the epicenter of change and connection.
I can hardly wait.
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