Serving Others

Loving on a recipient

Each autumn I look forward to the change of season as we move to cooler and drier weather, pumpkin spice, auburn colored leaves, football, campfires, spooky stuff and fall festivals. Since 1998, for me, autumn also means another RSMGC fund raising event. RSMGC is the abbreviation for The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic which is a massive annual fundraiser for those within the trade show industry who have encountered health challenges and extraordinary financial demands.

Golfing for Others

I was first introduced to this amazing golf tournament in 1998 when I was contracted to cover the event on video and to assist in helping with media and promotion. I watched as highly competitive companies came together each year and locked arms for a common mission to serve others in need. It is quite humbling to witness this outpouring of love from so many to help those who are hurting, and it didn't take long for this event to become a regular date on my fall calendar. "The Randy", as it was affectionally coined for those on the inside, has served hundreds of recipients over the years with emotional and financial support. There's nothing quite so rewarding as knowing that your efforts have brightened the hearts of those who have suffered through tragedies and serious health issues.

Lending an Ear

This blog isn't so much to promote the RSMGC event, but rather, to remind us that to serve others is the ultimate honor in this life. "To give is better than to receive" is a common saying, but do we really believe it? Have we actually matured past a self-centered condition that robs us of the true blessings of this life? I want to challenge us to take our eyes off ourselves for a moment and look to the needs of others. It can begin with simple, small steps like holding open a door for someone, overlooking an offense, sharing a smile, or letting another driver merge, or turn in front of you. How about lending an ear to someone who simply needs a person to talk with? Maybe you could pay a compliment, or share an encouraging word with someone. There are so many ways that we can serve others and show them love. Each of us are gifted in many different ways and can find our own personal opportunities to use those gifts to invest in others. The difficult part for some of us is to shift our focus from ourselves to others. If we will make the effort then I promise there will be a beautiful reward awaiting you. You will truly understand why it is "better to give", and you will experience true richness of life.

Generous Donations

The Randy is almost upon us yet again with 12 new recipients this year each with their own gut wrenching story. I will be attending the event on October 6th and I will again be reminded how God uses us to step into the mess, love deeply and serve others so that we can participate in the blessing of helping those in need. I hope you find your opportunity to serve others in some way. It will most certainly change your life.