The Gift Of Giving

 “Love your fellow man, and do the best you can,” is what he told me. These are the words of the Past International Director of the Lions Club named Dr. Bill Iannaccone. Dr. Bill has traveled to many parts of the world to work on projects that help people in need.

On December 6, the Lions Club in Danville hosted a Restaurant Walk. The Lions Club teamed up with local restaurants to set up an event where people could walk from restaurant to restaurant, sampling appetizers of a variety of foods. The Lion’s Club sold tickets for this event and the money went towards numerous charities that the Danville Lions Club supports.

In a dog eat dog society like America, people often chase personal gain, disregarding whatever effect it has on others. People often value the dollar higher than ethics. Little do they know, it’s not the dollar that brings true happiness.

It is great to know that there are still people out there that are passionately dedicated to helping those in need. I decided to ask Dr. Bill and the Chairman of the Restaurant Walk Event, Dr. Brent Waterman, about what got them involved in the Lions Club and keeps them a part of it. Dr. Waterman told me that his chiropractor talked him into joining back in 1981. Since then, he has been a devoted member to the Lions Club working and organizing events to raise money.

He told me that when you give, “You receive ten times what you give.” He does not mean this in a material way. He feels great joy and satisfaction in being able to make a positive difference in people’s lives.  

I asked Dr. Waterman what message he could offer to people regarding the Lions Club and he told me, “If more people would get involved, it would be a better world.” He feels that the need to serve those less fortunate is a realization we make for ourselves as we mature over time. He believes the youth is about receiving and having fun, while the twenties and thirties is about accumulating and establishing a secure financial situation for yourself and your family. However, he thinks as you get into your forties and beyond, you begin to see the importance of community service. Service to others is like an act of healing for both parties. Both people receive joy and appreciation in having taken part in a beautiful act of human kindness.

Dr. Bill told me that the Lions Club has opened up new horizons to him by allowing him to “See need in the world and tend to it. It’s almost like religion.” I think discovering the difference you can make in other’s lives is an important part of life. When you find how much you can truly affect the world it provides new inspiration for yourself to go out and make change.

When you want to make change, the first place you must look to start is within yourself. You must be the change you want to see. Your attitude, purpose, and sincerity shines through you onto those around you. The energy you give off cycles back around to you. People that create positivity are a breath of fresh air to the world and those around them. The path of life is a long and winding road. It is not easy, but the challenges it provides are there to make you grow as a person.

As Robert Plant says in The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin, “Upon us all, a little rain must fall. It’s just a little rain.”

Do not forget to take the time to look around to appreciate what you have, and how you affect others in your life.