Dream Big

It is often noted by counselors that one of the most important parts of life is finding importance. There is Robert Fulgrum’s book “What on earth have I done with my life?”

There is the thought that in some definitions of depression, the client feels life is meaningless.

What if here, like many other chapters in life, we overthink the equation? What if the challenge is finding your niche?

I’ve traveled. Compared to some I’m still in the starting block, and in other stories I could write books on what I’ve seen and experienced. The adventures started a time after losing our daughter, and admittedly trying to stay focused.

It worked. Meet people with deep needs and yours seem much less, even loss. I had opportunities to learn and experience things I doubt I would have had I stayed in my safe space. I was reminded of the importance of clean, and available, water. I learned how to do construction with minimal tools, and walk three or four miles back to the room afterwards.

I learned to look at European/American society differently. Things didn’t hold the same importance. Meeting people where they are became more interesting than having the latest and greatest. I still recall one of the encouraging comments as we prepared for the first trip. It was the quote that “you’ve never really lived until you help someone who cannot pay you back.”

When you give of what you have, no matter how much or little, your life will change as well.

Maybe that is the key. Give without consideration of getting paid back. Offer a seat to someone even if there are other tables available.

Smile at someone on the street you don’t know. Accept that the balance sheet in life may not be completed as soon or in the way we expect.

Saturday evening, representatives of the Operation Christmas Child program were in Sidney. They were here to promote what the program does and how to support it.

Operation Christmas Child is known for its signature blue and green shoeboxes, sent to children across the world. It’s an easy $20-something to spend and impact a child’s life, a child who may not have ever experienced a free gift, a gift with the possibility of being life-changing.

Collection of the shoeboxes takes place in November, offering plenty of time to support the program and pack some boxes. Be the hero to a child you will never meet. It will change you as well as them.