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 “I’m SO busy!” Prior to the various lock-downs, quarantines, and self-isolations in reaction to the pandemic, I had heard this many, many times in my dealings with assistant governors and individual club executives. In many cases, this was not even a complaint, but a statement of success regarding one’s ability to withstand stress … almost like a mark of real character. Quite often it reflected the day-to-day reality of not being available for friends, family, or Rotary. It was as if being busy was the model to successfully dealing with reality.We have been exposed to a time in the earth’s history that may be unequaled in OUR lives … or even in history itself. We are faced with fast-changing technology, climate change (sorry to the naysayers, but I believe this is reality), and a “shrinking” of the economic world as we face the fact that globalization and not nationalization are the norms. COVID-19 has given us reason to push those two vertical bars we see on pre-recorded movies – the PAUSE button. Why not embrace the reality of the times? The churches and synagogues were not filled for Easter and Passover. The NHL and NBA may not complete their seasons. March madness just did not happen. We missed the azaleas along the course of The Masters. We DO have the time to stand back and evaluate what these changes are about. There can be much gained from taking a step back and looking at what we are doing as Rotary clubs. The world will not come to an end if we miss a fundraiser or two. Let’s take the time to PAUSE and rekindle the fellowship aspect of Rotary. Let’s make our communications BETTER rather than faster. Let’s build up our relationships again – within our families and within the family of Rotary. Each day, let us reach out and connect with at least three people – and engage in a conversation of care, concern, and compassion. Rotary clubs have a unique opportunity to allow a group of diverse individuals to build deep and meaningful relationships; these relationships can then be used to assist others in the local … and global … communities. With diligent, thoughtful, and consistent efforts, our Rotary clubs can come out the other side of this pandemic stronger and even better equipped to provide Service Above Self. | ||