Service above self has been the motto of the Rotary Club since it was founded in 1905. Worldwide, its 1.2 million members in more than 34,000 clubs have vowed to render service in their chosen communities. I was part of Rotary before, but only for two years. I think those who wish to join service organizations need to answer the usual questions (5Ws and H) before they decide to serve.
As to the question of “who?” to serve, there are many potential beneficiaries—those underprivileged sectors, such as the out-of-school youth or the victims of substance abuse, to name a few. As to the questions “where?” and “how?”, there are many venues where we can serve. One can serve by participating in Church activities, in nongovernment organization-initiated fund raising campaigns, or in a volunteer group like the Rotary Club. There are many mediums and ways where we can channel whatever resources we have, some even with tax deduction incentives for corporations. As to “when?”, one should ponder at what age or how often should he serve. Is weekly tithing in church on Sundays enough? However, for me, the answers to the questions “what?” and “why?” will most likely affect a person’s ability to serve better, give more and make serving others a lifetime habit.
Marc Yu is a budding businessman in Cebu. He recently took over the leadership of the Rotary Club of Mandaue City. In his inaugural speech, what struck me the most was how Marc implored the power of God to be able to meet the expectations of his members and serve the needs of his community. The keynote speaker during Marc Yu’s induction ceremonies addressed the “what?” and the “why?” in serving, especially in entities like the Rotary. As to the “what?”, the speaker told the audience to simply give their ATM—Attitude, Time, Money.
Being in any service organization, the Rotary Club in particular, harmony within is essential since most members come from different families, industries and walks of life. Friction is expected and misunderstandings will come along the way. Hence, what a good servant Rotarian leader needs is the right attitude. And I think Marc has the positive attitude to get things done, united in fellowship with his members, for the sake of the community the club vows to serve. I have seen Marc play golf, a game that exposes the minutest traits in every person. Marc has an optimistic attitude to the point that every time he hits a bad shot or when his ball lands in the hazard, he tells himself “bawi tayo next hole.” If his game is bad, he says, “bawi tayo next game.”
Our time on earth is finite. When it comes to money, whenever it is spent, it can still be recovered. But when it comes to time, once it passes, you cannot get it back. In the case of Marc, I admire how he decided to allot a portion of his finite time to lead his Rotary Club despite the challenges that come with a young father. I was once a Rotarian but gave up due to time constraints. What I admire about Rotarians is the fact that they continue to contribute their time to the club and to the communities they vowed to serve despite their busy schedules.
Although he’s one of the youngest members of the club, Marc, I think, was blessed to have enough money to lead. It is a fact that Rotary presidents will likely put in financial resources more than the others. Marc may not have as much money as the taipans in this country, but the fact that he has decided to share whatever he can is quite commendable. Money, hard earned yet well spent, can go a long way in terms of making people happy, including yourself.
So as to the question of what we can do to serve, remember the ATM. We serve others by spending our time and money with the right attitude. Now, as to the why, the speaker said that some choose to give for legacy purposes while some give with the belief that what goes around comes around. For some, serving can lead to a legacy that can be inscribed in one’s tombstone to the point that people will remember him as Mr. Generous! For some, they say that the more you give, the more you receive. So they give in anticipation that they will receive something in return. After all, the Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 15:10: “Give generously to Him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”
When asked why she shares her blessings to others, a wealthy businesswoman-friend told me that giving is more about self-fulfillment. Serving others or sharing her blessings is food for her soul. In her words, “I’m not helping them, they are helping me.” Every time she gives, she experiences a unique feeling that uplifts her spirit. “It makes me happy to see others happy,” she said. The elation is much greater than how she felt when she delivered a healthy set of twins a few years ago and much greater than how she felt when she saw her son graduate in a prestigious school with honors.
In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:11 tells us, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” Our decision to serve should be based on good reasons. Whether serving is required by law, as in government service, or encouraged by Scripture, we all have to consciously exert efforts to know the why in giving our ATM.
For me, I give to others because it is actually my way of helping myself realize how fortunate I am to have something to give to others. Giving reminds me of how much I am loved by God. It is my way of thanking Him. But most important, giving makes my heart happy, perhaps in the same way my friend feels every time she gives.
Let’s all be happy by making others happy. Let’s serve others by giving our ATM.
For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.