When sitting down to write my message this week, I took time to reflect on some lovely poems that I found about what giving means. I hope you enjoy the poem below by Alberto Rios. I THANK each and every one of you for all you GIVE. You give your time, your talents and your treasures in the motto of Service Above Self. I see you give selflessly to your families, and your friendships. You also give opportunities. You give different perspectives. You give in creative ways. You give quietly without expecting accolades. You give because it makes a difference. Each act of giving matters. You matter. Thank you for being an Emmaus Rotarian.
Follow this link to listen to the Poet read this poem aloud. It is even better when you listen to it. When Giving Is All We Have by Alberto Ríos - Poems | poets.org
When Giving Is All We Have
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.
We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it—
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:
Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine.
You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.
Together we are simple green. You gave me
What you did not have, and I gave you
What I had to give—together, we made
Something greater from the difference.
HEY maybe you're reading this and thinking....boy ya know it's been a while since I've been at a meeting.... I miss my friends.... I miss the way I feel after an inspirational program...I'd like to check out our new meeting location. WELL, WE MISS YOU TOO and WE WANT TO SEE YOU!
Let's show Superior Restaurant that we can fill the entire room so that we can justify asking that it be reserved just for us!
Saturday, December 3, 2022. Letters to Santa at Emmaus Old Fashioned Christmas. Help the True Believers in Santa get their wishes to Man in Red at Emmaus Tree Lighting. If you ever wanted to live in your own Hallmark Movie...this is your chance.
Meeting December 15th AT THE MACUNGIE INSTITUE located at 510 East Main Street, Macungie. We will NOT be at or usual meeting location on 12/15 because we will be treated to a Festive Holiday performance by the Emmaus High School Chorale. Same time, 7:30am, same breakfast price of $15. Parking on site. Don't miss this uplifting performance that has become a beloved ERC tradition. The voices of these students are sure to give you goosebumps.
President, Emmaus Rotary Club 2022/23
