Sunday, November 21, 2010

Reasons to give thanks


Our editor Mark and I recently visited New York.
We had lunch with Brooklyn firefighters.
They were among the first responders during 9/11.
During lunch, a call came in to the Red Hook station.
Office workers were trapped in an elevator.
The firefighters jumped up and headed for their truck.
None hesitated. All responded. Quickly.
They knew those on the elevator were stressed.
They were to get the elevator working and get them out.
They returned 20 minutes later. Mission accomplished.
It wasn’t 9/11. Yet it was the same response as 9/11.
We should be thankful there are such people.
These firefighters lost seven from their firefighter family.
Think about that. What if one was a member of your family?
How would you feel? How would you deal with the loss?
Could you celebrate the spirit that drove the first responders?
Celebrate those who put the welfare of others first?
Rotarians worldwide strive to practice “service before self”.
Many other organizations pursue similar selfless goals.
It is easier to say than do. But in giving we receive.
It’s Biblical. It’s noble. It separates us from the animals.
We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Show your thanks. Do something for someone today.
Do something for someone tomorrow. And the next day.
It’s the way to show your gratitude.
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