A Month of Gratitude, Day 24 - The Opportunity to Serve

Tuesday, December 24, 2013
I was recently appointed to the Douglas County Library Board of Trustees. I volunteered to serve, because I love the Library, and my entire family loves the library. And I wanted to make a difference in the institution that meant so much to Moe during the years she felt so isolated. They selected me because I have experience in Enterprise IT, and it's hard to find technical people who will volunteer their time in the field in which they work. Perhaps because IT professionals often feel like their profession is a thankless, soul-sucking endeavor.

But the Library is worth it, even if it means I have to read and evaluate RFP responses.

As I come up to speed on my new duties, I've been considering the impetus that drives me to serve. I come from a family with a tradition of service, but family tradition isn't all there is to it. In my case, I believe it's because I'm an Atheist. While I don't claim any factual knowledge about what happens to us when we die, it is my belief that when our brains stop functioning, our personality and what makes us unique dies with it.

The logical conclusion of this belief is that if I want to make a difference in the universe, this is my one and only chance. I don't get to come back and try again, or watch from some afterlife. I have to change the world now, make a difference now, improve things now, before it's too late. And one of the ways to accomplish this goal is to serve the community in which I live.

My military service was just the first leg on this journey. Now I knit hats, scarves and lap robes for Adopt-a-Family, Head Start,  and the VA hospital. Now I serve on the Library Board of Trustees, helping to make decisions that improves the availability of services to Library patrons. When I retire, I'm sure there will be other opportunities to make a difference.

Today I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve, and to leave the world a little better place.

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