Thank you for the opportunity to serve this year.
The goal of the District this year is to “Focus on Vision.” Both meanings of “Vision” are considered in this goal. We are known around the world for our 1.4 million members who fight everyday to treat and cure blindness. However, we are also known for our leadership and community service that takes our sights to the future and what we can accomplish. I encourage all Lions, and Lions to be to embrace both meanings of “Vision” for the next year.
Speaking of the next year, we are in uncharted waters Lions. We have never faced this level of adversity from a pandemic. Many clubs are unable to meet, but all are still able to serve. I ask you to come together to serve in the coming year for the good of our communities, state, and countries. The world is a strange and scary place right now. Lions can help bring peace and hope to those in need. Remember, (in the deep baritone of Lion Sherman Leathers), “We are Loving Individuals Offering Needed Service.”
I try every week to listen to the greatest coach ever (Okay I may be a little biased) Jimmy V. He would preach at every practice, game, and brickyard walk, “Put yourself in a position to win.” That is what we can do even in this current climate, put ourselves into a position to win. Take the time to work on your club communications, websites, social media, service opportunities, and fundraising plans. May we look back at this time as our greatest hour when we did what must be done.
Many of you have expressed to me that you are scared about the pandemic and the current state of affairs of the world. Two days ago, Amy and I, with our two youngest boys 9 and 11, decided to take half a day and go sailing. We had a great time for four hours or so; however, about a mile from the dock a thunderstorm hit from out of nowhere. A huge gust of air flipped our boat. In less than a second, we went from sailing peacefully to capsized. Never did any of us expect to be in such danger on a pretty day.
I climbed on the keel until the boat flipped back over. With the sails still up it immediately took off with the four of us hanging onto as best we could. I threw little Teddy into the boat and we told him to drop the sails. He later told me, “Daddy, I was scared, but I knew I had to get the job done to save everyone.” We explained that “bravery” is doing what you must when you are scared.
Together Lions, we must be brave in this current environment. We must do what we know we must even though we may be scared. We must continue to serve. We must continue to work for good. We must continue to be Lions, even when this storm tears at the sails and flips the boat. I predict many civic and community service organizations will disappear this year; however, we will not be one of them. We will work hard, we will serve where we can, and we will prevail.
Visions, service, and energy will drive everything else. Take time to tell others about your service. People want to help, they just need to know what you are doing in the community and how they can assist. Look first for opportunities to serve; funds and members will follow.
I look forward to working with you this year