Last spring, we had the privilege of being in Rwanda, Africa for 3 weeks. It was striking to see how much the people of Rwanda had to work with one another just to live – because in Africa, it is work to live. It was stunning how hard it was and yet the harshness highlighted the joys that can be found daily in life and human connection.
Here at home, we meet with people all the time who do just the opposite, they live to work; they are people whose lives revolve around the business of doing business. Outwardly, they appear to have so much that is enviable to others, yet they are often depressed and unfulfilled and seek our counsel to regain a healthy balance in their lives.
Over the last few weeks, like so much of the nation, we have watched the tragedy that has been unfolding in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. People’s lives were turned upside down in a matter of hours, and suddenly people on the Eastern Seaboard were working hard to live. What was once a routine became an unknown: finding food, shelter, and warmth became the work of the day. And yet, even with all the destruction and the hardship, people are reporting feeling very connected with neighbors and strangers alike.
When we pull together as family, as friends, as neighbors, as coworkers or even as strangers, we find connection and deep meaning – both as the one who is helped and the one who is helping.
This week, we encourage you to look for ways to contribute to the world around you. In return, we believe that you will feel the sense of pride that only we humans can hold – the pride of knowing that we gave generously of our heart and our time.
