April Newsletter

Getting or Giving?

At some point in your life, you make a choice, whether you realize it or not, about what holds more value and importance to you.

Are you more motivated by what you can get, or by what you can give?

What is the true treasure in living our lives? How will we be remembered? Will it be for what we acquired, or for what we gave?

We’ve heard for years that there are “givers and takers”.  True, but which has more value?  I would suggest that living on the side of giving brings the greatest joy and the deepest sense of fulfillment and satisfaction by doing what you can for your fellow man. 

Taking Care of Others

This month of April, our themed focus is taking care of others.

That can take many forms. Giving your time, helping someone through a physical challenge, or supporting someone who may be struggling mentally or emotionally. It starts with awareness, not just of yourself, but of those around you, and being willing to step in when the moment calls for it.

When you come to an accident and are first on the scene, what do you do?

Do you rush to help?  Or is your first instinct to stand back, take pictures and observe? I would encourage you to be a person who steps forward. One who leads with empathy and takes action to help those in need.

A Personal Story

Years ago, I was riding my motorcycle and stopped at a light on a road that was a bit rough and not heavily traveled. I often take back roads for safety.

When the light turned green, I proceeded into the intersection to make a left turn. What I did not see was dark pea gravel left behind by a dump truck. It was nearly impossible to detect.

My bike slid out from under me, and I was thrown roughly ten feet into the air. I landed hard, shattering my helmet, breaking four ribs, and fracturing my collarbone in three places. But that wasn’t the worst part.

A semi-truck was coming from the opposite direction and did not see me lying in the roadway. A woman sitting in a small red car at the light saw what was about to happen. Without hesitation, she pulled forward into the intersection against the light. The truck saw her, stopped, and my life was spared.

Then, again without hesitation, she got out of her car and came to help me. She assisted me to my feet, called 911, and contacted my wife.

After speaking with me briefly, my wife quickly realized I was incoherent and likely in shock. I was.  She asked the woman to call for an ambulance immediately, which she had already did based on my unorthodox actions she witnessed.

The Point

So, what is the takeaway?

You never know when you will be called upon to give of yourself for someone else. That woman is a hero to me. Not because she sought recognition, but because she acted. She did not hesitate. She gave of herself in a moment that mattered. She was not looking for credit. She simply did what was right.

And in that moment, both of us received something far greater than anything material. For me, my life.  For her, the gratification of doing something for another and being there and available when needed.

Giving is not just an action.  It is a mindset.

Mindset

So, what did I just say… that’s right, “giving” is a mindset.  In the military, this is often referred to as duty. It is a readiness to serve, a willingness to step in, and a commitment to something greater than yourself.

It is about having a giving heart and being prepared to act when the opportunity arises. That, in my view, is where the true richness in life achieved.

If you want to live a life that is full and meaningful, focus on giving, not getting.

In one word -- selflessness.

More Than the Physical

Taking care of others also extends beyond the physical.

We must be mindful of the mental and emotional well-being of those around us. Be aware of how your words and actions may impact others, even unintentionally. Do you practice the Golden Rule?Do you strive to praise in public and chastise in private?Are your actions honorable, even when no one is watching?

We all should strive towards these basic tenants, agree?

A Final Thought

Taking care is more than looking after yourself. It is about having a genuine concern for others and being willing to give when the opportunity presents itself.

What we practice here in our community matters. When we take care of one another locally, we strengthen the very fabric of our neighborhoods. Strong communities build a strong Texas, and a strong Texas continues to play a vital role in the strength of our nation.

We will continue this conversation at our upcoming meeting this month, and I hope you can join us. As always, thank you for being part of the Lake Travis Republican Club. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

If you know someone who would benefit from being part of a strong, value-driven community, I encourage you to invite them to join us.