Paying It Forward: Never see it all

When seeing an iceberg, our observations are based upon what we see — superficial without deep understanding.

Most folks have dreams. Some have a plan to turn dream into reality.  Key is hope, for without hope we wait, can’t start, fearing failure, so we fail to start. Unrealized, our dream dims.

We pass so many wonderful things, consumed by life, we don’t “smell the roses.” We take wonderful things for granted.  The joy of a child chasing a butterfly, the care in a friend’s message.  The richness of life, often unseen is clouded by intrusions, challenges and other’s priorities.

I’ve found the best volunteering is giving hope to others.  It’s easy, just believe in another’s dream and encourage their action.  Most folks have enough common sense to figure out a path to their goals and adjust it with new information.

Try it. Ask to help them with their dream.  Watch them come to life with energy and enthusiasm.  All one must do is listen and then offer a bit of support and assistance.  This support encourages action.  Edison tried 1,000 times till the light bulb worked. Dream. Try. Do.

I found Reg and Bella with the Jolly Volunteer Fire Department hot dog fundraiser Saturday. Twelve volunteers, half of the department and their fire truck came to Atwoods.

Clay county is served by 13 volunteer fire departments with most, like Jolly, funded by donations. When fire strikes, time and lives matter, so boundaries are not as important as getting the fire under control for minimal impact.

Schools are out.  Teachers are wrapping up skills, content and policy training, gaining the knowledge to help them be successful and produce amazing students.

There is lots to do, scouting, River Bend Nature Center, junior police league, vacation Bible schools, Select Sports playoff, Oil Bowl, arts and crafts classes throughout area, communities with weekend farmers markets and upcoming July Fourth events.

How can it all happen? Like-minded volunteers are required to gather and serve. Come join us.

Working together to make things better for others is a worthy goal. With focus, it's a goal that can be achieved through the power of many hands, skills, friends, communities and a legacy that encourages like service from future generations.

My most notable quote this week, from a spy novel, “We determine who we are by what we do.”

What will/can you do to make another’s future better?

Jack Browne is a community volunteer and former tech sales and marketing executive who worked 40 years at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies. How are the children doing? Visit his website at www.newcollarcoach.com.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Jack Browne: Paying It Forward: Never See it All