Hans Eskelsen
We enter into the dark winter months and daylight becomes more valuable throughout the day. The holiday Thanksgiving is a great symbol on how gratitude can shine over the darkness. I love Thanksgiving because it is a time of tradition, warmth, and welcoming friends, family, and strangers around the dinner table.
I have a painting from Maynard Dixon called the ‘Lonely Man’ hanging in my office. It is one of my favorite paintings that I own. If you look at the picture (see below) it shows a man with his head down, sitting on the curb of a busy street next to a fire hydrant. You can see countless people’s legs behind him walking pass him on the sidewalk. It sounds and is depressing. However, it reminds me of a couple key important facts as a Rotarian:
- Are we looking at our members, people in our own community, or household who are struggling mentally, financially, or socially? I always recommend that we slow down, and look at those in our lives, and see if a simple hello can make a difference. Winter months can be difficult for many people who suffer depression. Showing that extra love and support can make a difference.
- When is the last time we have all made a friend? If this is a tough thing to accomplish because it can be for many. Just make a goal to say hello to ONE person new a day. Let the ripple effect of that go where is may.
- Remember, light attracts darkness and vice a versa. We all learn in struggles. Many of us also learn that there help always comes when we ask for it. Sometimes not in the way we expect it, but it does come.
Lastly, my family has a standing tradition. We try to find a family who is in need in our community and donate a turkey. The catch is they don’t know it is from us. We make sure that we give back and that the family or person doesn’t recognize who did it. Why? I find that when we give back without recognition, the return of happiness is much more rewarding. I give thanks to the Rotary and all that it does for millions of people from our community and throughout the world. Service is best when it is above ones self.
.jpg)
Imagination Library Needs Your Help!
Thank you to the Stanwood Camano community for financial support of our Imagination Library program over the past eleven years. During that period we have been able to send over 50,000 books at no cost to children in our community, and without your support this program would not be possible. Currently we are conducting a fundraising drive. Please share our FB event posts and click on the link to learn more through our Go Fund Me Page. You can also share your support by mailing a check made out the to:
The Stanwood Camano Rotary Foundation
at:
PO Box 1754
Stanwood WA 98292
For the most current and up to date information please go to our FB page. Like our page, share our post's and invite friends.
.png)
Service Above Self
Stanwood, WA 98292
United States of America