Pep Talk: Get Involved!

Every once in a while I need a pep talk.

I know that I have the ability to convince myself that our society, my work, government...whatever your topic...is totally ruined.  "We are beyond recovery" or " There is nothing we can do about it NOW!" or "What can I do about it, anyway?!?!"  It seems that, in our current period of precarious economic conditions, these types of statements are very common.  HOWEVER(!) I know that these types of statements are also FALSE!  And I recently had an extraordinary venue to relate my perspective to a group of local community leaders.

My work with the Rotary Park Shelter - see post from February 10 - has given me the opportunity to talk to people about the good things happening in our community.  The Montpelier Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.montpelierchamber.com/) hosted their annual banquet last week and I was invited to speak about the project.  In addition to describing the construction and design of building, I took the opportunity to relate the excitement of a young professional (me), recently returned to his hometown and (immediately) asked to design and shepherd the newest embellishment for the community.  This all in midst of budget cuts, smaller the expected earnings, and much discontent and anxiety about "the future of things".  Even in these difficult times there are those in our community who are committed to making good things happen.

The "problem" is that they need help to do it!  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 & 12 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."  We, all of us, need to get out into our communities and lend a hand to those who are committed to making things better.  They need our help and, together, we can get a lot more accomplished. 

There is also a benefit for us, though...When we get to work, we don't have as much time to watch the depressing evening news, to think about the difficult things going on around us, to look at all the things that are not getting done.  We are focused on accomplishing the task set before us.

So, my Pep Talk to the Chamber of Commerce: "Get Involved!"  If anyone thinks that there isn't anything going on, just step out into your community and see who needs help.  You will find that there is a lot to be done, and that there is GREAT satisfaction in seeing good accomplished.