The Day of Big Thinking

 
Giving-2
Fortune and privilege are mine. I was born at a great time in Arizona, raised by parents who crafted my being for triumph, in a city where I could wear the crown of success. I am the definition of a charmed life. I try to know it. I try to show it. I try to honor it. Do I fumble my way, forgetting to acknowledge my good fortune? Sadly, with selfishness, I do.
When I wrote “Grace In A Warm Pink Coat”, which appeared in Frontdoors, December 2015, I recounted my witness to a tremendous act of generosity that slapped me in the face. I had, once again, the great entitlement to ruminate about this private act of generosity during a time of tremendous opportunity. My guardian angel, Steve Zabilski, read the column, made a big deal out of it in so many ways that frankly, I was and still am, embarrassed. Long story longer – St. Vincent de Paul entered my column into a Phoenix Business Journal contest which allowed folks to tell a story about a nonprofit. The winner would be gifted $10,000.
Now, I sort of had the notion that this amount could cover the operations of the vast SVdP network for about 10 hours. To me, 10 hours is a blink of an eye. But to someone in need, those 10 hours could save a life. I had every incentive to get that $10,000 prize for an organization I so admire.
Once again, my good fortune prevailed. We won the writing contest (thanks to all my friends who voted!) and St. Vincent de Paul will get a check for $10,000. But the best part is the lesson I learned from yet another win on my life’s scorecard.
On the very day the winning essay was announced I just so happened to be scheduled for lunch with one of the Valley’s other most sainted citizens – the amazing Denise Resnik. She is the woman I want to be. I count her as a trusted advisor, smart leader and compassionate soul. I adore her robust humor and our shared experiences. As she says, we share joy from each other.
We were both late to our appointed lunch date. However, I had one heck of a reason for my tardiness as I had just been notified of my Big Win! Truth be told, I had squandered my time boasting to a complete stranger how I had just won $10,000 for a Valley nonprofit.
Denise and I breathlessly reached the restaurant at the exact same time – a generous 15 minutes late. “Jeeze sister!,” I blurted out. “I have the BEST excuse for being so late!”
She squeezed me tightly in a frantic but warm embrace and gushed, “Me too! I have HUGE news!”
Thinking that my kiss of celebrity in the writing world, $10,000 check and winning essay would trump any news she had, I demurred. “Oh honey,” with a haughty purr of superiority, “please, go first and tell me about your latest success. I can’t wait to hear all about it.” I didn’t want to burst her bubble but I just knew my news was much bigger than hers.
“Well,” she started, taking a measured and deep breath. “I just received a $150,000 donation for First Place!” She was practically vibrating with excitement and the wonderment that comes with such a life-changing donation. And, she had every right to.
Suddenly, my $10,000 and eight hours of benevolence didn’t seem so generous.
But, at that moment I learned the BEST lesson. We can ALL take a deep breath and do better with what we have. We can expect more, reach higher and set our sights on bigger thinking. We can look towards greater success, searching for impacts that last longer than a minor blink of a day.
Now, I am certainly thrilled with my win. Yes, it will go down as one of my best achievements. It has encouraged me to write more and take greater stewardship of my thoughts. But, I can do better. Immense opportunity and possibility are all around us in this magical community of ours.
All it takes is a little more imagination, a lot more vision and tremendous hard work. And, if you are truly fortunate, you’ll have a friend like Denise Resnik who frames life with humility, heart and healing. Oh, and if that friend has the ability to teach an old dog new tricks, it’s even better.
From the Heart…
Juliasignature WEB

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Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information – and inspiration – for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.
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