Making a Difference in Each Moment

Jim and I both volunteer to give back to our community, acknowledging by our actions the grace that we have been given in life. We share our meagre gifts with others. Meagre to us, it is transformative to those people who benefit from our assistance. It is hard to explain, unless you are a volunteer yourself, how much more you get from giving than from receiving. Although the “recipients” of your time and commitment gain much, you are enriched by the possibility of the difference you could possibly make in one life, in one moment, in one journey, in one lonely instant when you feel so alone.

Jim volunteers at a correctional institute. I have permission to break his anonymity by telling you that Jim is a recovering alcoholic, one day at a time, for over twenty five years. He gives back to those who are suffering the disease of Alcoholism by reaching out to those in institutions who may be fighting the same disease. A year ago, he won an award at one of the institutes. I cannot tell you the awe and spirit I felt when the ‘residents’ of the facility (a prison euphemism for “inmates”) stood up to give him a standing ovation for his commitment. In the moment, I realized that my husband was the most important person to them on their journey.

Jim came home tonight from his volunteer night at the institution. One of the residents had written him a letter in an effort to express gratitude. Jim told him that – for sure – it would be one of my blog entries. And he is right. And it is. Here is the letter.

Our lives are made up of a million moments spent in a million different ways. Some are spent searching for love and harmony. Others are spent surviving day to day. But there is no greater moment than when we find that life -- with all its joys and sorrow – is meant to be lived one day at a time. It’s in this knowledge that we discover the most wonderful truth of it all. Whether we live in a forty-room mansion surrounded by servants and wealth, or find it a struggle to manage the rent month to month, we have it without our power to be fully satisfied and live a life with true meaning. One day at a time we have that ability, through cherishing each moment and rejoicing in each dream. We can experience each day anew – and with this fresh start we have what it takes to make all of our dreams come true, each day anew -- and living one day at a time enables us to truly enjoy life and live it to the fullest. Jim, we may not be related by blood or share a last name, but we are closely connected where it counts – in heart and in spirit. I cherish you as my friend. The best thing about having you for a friend is the way you never fail to make me see the silver lining behind each dark cloud. No matter how down I get, I can always count on you to help me find a reason to get back up and try again. God bless you and your family.

I was awed by the letter because of the heart-laid-bare nature of it, particularly that it was written by a person that is behind bars. I was hopeful that he could carry these thoughts to the real-world beyond bars, one day at a time, so that he would never have to re-learn what he instinctively now knew. I was struck by how much he understood and articulated Jim’s outlook on life.

But, mostly, I was grateful that I am sharing a life with someone who can invoke such powerful insight and emotions in others. Jim makes a difference one day at a time. He makes a difference every moment in mine. Can it be any better than that?

May you be as fortunate.