May Newsletter

Part I – Review

Last month, we looked at many ways of helping others with a mindset of giving. In my opinion, giving of your time and talent is the path to true happiness and satisfaction in life.

It doesn’t matter how much you have, because in the end, none of us can take anything with us. We all started with nothing. So it’s best to leave a footprint in life and touch others wherever you can do good along the way.

Life is precious. We must not waste a minute.

So again, how will you be remembered? Will it be for what you acquired, or for what you were willing to do for others and being there when needed? 

A Good Citizen

What makes a good citizen?

I mentioned honorable actions in the last newsletter and at our recent luncheon. That is the themed focus for the month of May: “Honorable Actions.”

Are you someone who takes the high road when faced with a moral choice?

When I joined the military, the Air Force lived by a moral honor code that is still near and dear to my heart:

“We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.”

Being a good citizen revolves around living with honor.

Honorable Action

The following example comes from the recent actions of an 11-year-old boy.

On the early evening of April 25th, I was supervising my two granddaughters at the Rough Hollow splash pad. Unknown to me, when I got out of my chair to leave, my wallet fell out of my pocket. It contained quite a bit of money.

A short time later, before I had even realized it was missing, a young boy named Korbin Pineda brought it to my house.

When I attempted to reward him, he refused.

It would have taken me countless hours to replace everything inside that wallet if someone of lesser character had found it. His response was simple—returning it was just the right thing to do. No reward expected, and none accepted.

The Lesson

The message from that day is simple and important:

Always do the right thing.

And do the right thing when no one is looking.

Integrity matters, especially in times like these. It builds trust and defines your reputation. Korbin set an incredible example of being raised right and living with honesty and honor—even at a very young age.

Society Today

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

Unfortunately, we live in a “me, me, me” society.

Self-gratification and instant satisfaction seem to drive much of what we see today. Many people strive to get something for nothing instead of working hard and doing what is right with honorable intentions.

Even worse, we often see people pushing others down in order to elevate themselves.

You see it in slander and falsehoods, used as tools by those without honor to gain favor or get ahead. This is especially common in the political world during election seasons. False perceptions are repeated until they begin to feel like truth.

Please don’t be someone who spreads rumor or innuendo.

It is not harmless. It affects people, and it often comes back on those who choose that path.

Circling Back

You cannot be seen as an honorable person, performing honorable actions and good deeds, if you live within a “me first” mindset.

Instead, strive to set the example of a good citizen. Do what is right. Act with integrity. Choose what is just.

Uplift others with a mindset of giving in your daily life.

Never put others down in an attempt to elevate yourself or gain favor. Not only does it diminish your character, but it eventually reveals itself. A lack of honor does not stay hidden for long.

Remember to love your neighbor as yourself and practice the Golden Rule.

It is easy to slip into a self-centered mindset. Take time to reflect and make sure you are on the right path. Set the example for others with honor, dignity, and respect.

A Final Thought

What we choose to do in our daily lives matters more than we often realize. The way we treat others, the decisions we make, and the example we set all contribute to something greater than ourselves.

Strong character builds strong communities. Strong communities help shape a strong Texas. And a strong Texas continues to play a vital role in the strength of our nation.

Let’s be people known not just for what we believe—but for how we live.