The Big Picture

Last Tuesday I had to be at the VA Hospital in LA at 5:45 am for a lighting project. After meeting with the job superintendent my next stop was Norwalk, so I took the 105 freeway through south central Los Angeles. As I passed through Compton it was still dark out so I couldn’t see much (except lots of run down houses and graffiti covered buildings), but then I noticed one small house that actually had Christmas lights shining. It stood out like a burning bush among a patch of tumbleweeds and it reminded me that there are plenty of little children in that area who won’t have much to smile about at Christmas time.

 

As I turned back to focus on the traffic ahead I realized something. While I was deep in thought about the rough neighborhood on both sides of me, I nearly missed the beautiful sunrise that was happening right in front of me. A gorgeous sunrise, full of promise and hope, a reminder that every day has its challenges but every day carries the promise of a new beginning and a better life. But how do we turn those challenges into blessings? The first step is to realize the blessings we have in our own lives, and then reach out, get involved and make the commitment to create a positive difference in someone else’s life. That reminds me of a story.

A man from town asked an old farmer to join a citizen’s group that would work on improving the town. The farmer asked, “Do you want me to be involved or committed?” Puzzled, the man asked, “What’s the difference?” The farmer answered, “It’s like a bacon and eggs breakfast. The chicken is involved, but the pig is committed!”

And that story got me thinking….. I made a commitment to write a Monday Message every week this year and this week’s message completes my third year of realizing that goal, so I am truly happy about that. But I think it’s time to change things up. I need to think about what else I can do to make a positive difference in this world. Writing inspiring stories is one thing, but what about living an inspirational life? For 2012, I vow to get involved in a different worthwhile project every month, commit to it, live it, and then write about it. Stay tuned for something new next year…..Monthly Messages from the front lines!



              The sun slowly rises over South Central LA

 

 

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's simply not.                   ~Dr. Seuss