Rotarians:  Love in Action

Fellow Rotarians – all of us experience the holidays differently. Early in December I typically think, “I’m just not ready. Not ready for lights, shopping, Christmas cards, any of it. And the world around me doesn’t help – it is too unstable, too violent, too dangerous for women, children, the elderly, the marginalized, the vulnerable. And the rise of tyrannical leaders all over the globe fills me with worry. Baby in a manger? I’m just not ready.”

A few days ago, the realization hit me that the conditions into which that baby was born were rather similar. Authoritarian Roman rule in Judea, fueled by heavy taxation, guaranteed subsistence existence for the masses. The world was violent and dangerous for women, children, the elderly, marginalized, and vulnerable. And yet that baby was born.

In its simplest form, at the heart of the Christmas story is a story of love. Over two thousand years later, we find ourselves belonging to a global group that puts love in action in powerful ways to address the needs of women, children, the elderly, marginalized and vulnerable all over the world. Rotary is not a religious group on purpose. Yet love for our fellow human drives us to go above and beyond to help ease burdens and make better the lives of others. We have Rotarians in our club who exemplify this drive in powerful ways. You know who you are. Thank you for challenging us and inspiring us to put love in action. May these holidays be wonderful for all of you and your loved ones!

Yours in Rotary Service,