What I'm learning about my life is...

I am truly blessed. In so many ways. Last night I was privileged to attend the Mentor West Michigan Sports Awards banquet. Chip's boss, Capt. Dan Rooney (pictured in full uniform next to me above) was a recipient of the 2007 Community Service Mentor Award for his role in The West Michigan Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament.
Dan Rooney is not only owner of the Grand Haven Golf Club (making him Chip's boss), but also flies F-16s in the Air Force, and has served our country in two different tours to Iraq since the war began. Chip and I also call him friend. What an honor, then, for us to be able to see him recognized for not only his hard work in the Fallen Heroes effort, but also for his sacrifice and risk he has taken in flying for the Air Force. Some of his friends, colleagues and fellow countrymen are not as fortunate as Dan, and have paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for their country.
I take that for granted- the freedoms and privilege I live with from day to day- far too often. Last night was a reminder to me, not only that I have been so blessed, but also, that there are opportunities for me to give more of myself every single day.
Our keynote speaker for the event last night was none other than Coach Tony Dungy, who led the Colts to their Superbowl win just this past January. Chip and Dan got to meet him earlier in the day; I just enjoyed his presence and words that he shared with all of us in attendance. He talked about all the people who have been a big part of his 'success' in life and who have played important roles in helping him become who he is today. One of the quotes he shared was told to him along his journey, and it was this:
"Talent is God-given; be grateful.
Praise is man-given; be humble.
Pride is self-given; be careful."
What I am learning as I 'grow up' and look back at where I've come from and what I've gone through is that I've been very lucky and have had so much support and love and that with that, comes much repsonsibility. It would be selfish for me to think that I simply deserve to live a quiet, "good life". I can't...and simply put, I am feeling more and more led to give and DO more and more. Not because I'm so great...that's not it at all, but that I've been given so much. I hope that I haven't wasted too much of my life already. I plan on doing my part to make sure I live a life equal to the blessings I've received. It's not an easy task for most of us- we've got our jobs cut out for us...but even taking small steps and making consistent effort will help more than we will ever know.
One small way to get involved with this is through the SIS tv website. There you will find a link for 'Collections for a Cause'. If you're a scrapper, I encourage you to check it out. If you're not a scrapper, you can still check it out. If you want to get involved with Dan Rooney and his energies being poured into The West Michigan Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament, I'm sure he'd love the support.
There is no shortage of organizations or opportunities, that's for certain. I could name a bunch of them...from the Red Cross to Big Brohters/Big Sisters programs to Habitat for Humanity...all worthy of our time, money and talents. Whatever it is you have been given beyond what you deserve or need in life, I feel now more than ever, is our opportunity to get involved. I hope some of you take on a challenge in your own life- of giving more than you receive. I know it can only make us ALL better people because of it.
Now. In regards to the RAK scrap stuff going on here (and at Scrap In Style) let me just say, whoa! You sure like opportunities for free scrap goodies! I am still getting caught up reading all the comments, and will be picking the winner tonight. Haven't decided how I'll do that yet...but I'll come up with something. In the meantime, thanks to all the people who have registered at SIS and have looked around and left messages and just had fun with us. It's going to be a great 'place' to hang out. There's still room for anyone who wants to come on over too!
I promise to post soon- the winner and the prize package that's coming someone's way from me. Now, if I could just get a cleaning lady and someone to cook dinner at my house, I'd be all set! =) Just kidding. I still do all my own cooking and cleaning. And hopefully it matters to a few people in this world. =)