January 11, 2009

Opening The Door of Opportunity in 2009

When Lucy opened the wardrobe door in C. S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, her life was forever changed.

The doors that we enter in 2009 have that same life-changing potential.

Which ones will we enter and which ones will we pass by?

* Today I listened to former CBS anchor Dan Rather talk about the education door that so many women in Afghanistan seek to enter, knowing their lives will be forever changed upon entrance. Illiteracy runs at 90% in the rural areas. "If Afghanistan is to make it", Rather said, " the women have to be educated. With help from the United States, schools have been built and women are being educated. However, entering that door of education causes the Taliban to pronounce a death sentence upon a woman/girl becoming educated and literate." Truly, entering that door is a life changer!

* Outgoing President George W. Bush is creating 3 national monuments in the Pacific Ocean, protecting waters near U.S.-controlled islands that contain some of the last pristine corals and sanctuaries for vanishing marine species. Opening this door will bring in a new era for protection of unique and endangered places in the ocean.

 

While many of us make the lose weight, get in shape, work out more resolutions, when we take on a task to do something for someone else without needing or wanting a reward - our souls are nourished.

Please consider opening the door in 2009 to volunteering - whether it is with the church, a charity, or a school.

* Thank you for your willingness to volunteer next week feeding the homeless at the Salvation Army.

* Thank you in advance for volunteering with Salkehatchie Summer Service and Homeworks in 2009.

* Would some of you consider being a mentor at one of our neighboring schools as several Ashland members are currently doing. Contact me if interested. It would be wonderful to see 30 Ashland folks giving an hour of their week to read, eat lunch, play a game, or tutor a child/youth and thus open a different door in their world.

Have you been thinking about doors and possibilities in 2009?

Can you - Would you be willing to make a difference for good this year?