Shameless Self-Promotion

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am normally a kind, humble, genteel, behind-the-scenes type of guy; however, today I must toot my own horn.  See, I did something really good.  Something that makes everyone happy…at least, it’s what makes everyone on TV happy.

So what was it that I did today?  I gave back to the community.

Did I visit a children’s ward in a hospital?  No.

Did I help someone build a house?  No.

Did I buy food for starving kids in Ethiopia?  No.

And I didn’t authorize a press release to tell people.

And I didn’t call a press conference.

Nothing I did today would be deemed newsworthy.

So, what did I do?  Not much:

- I obeyed the law while driving.
- I paid my bills.  On time.
- I did not spend on what I could not afford.
- I opened doors for people, and was gracious when others opened them for me.
- I greeted people.
- I paid attention to people when they talked to me.
- I fulfilled my job responsibilities.
- I told my wife of nineteen years that I love her…many times.
- I spent quality time with my kids.
- I set a good example as a husband for my children to see.
- I kept my mouth shut when I should have.
- I spoke out when it was appropriate.
- I didn’t put myself or anyone else in compromising situations.
- I didn’t abuse my body by eating or drinking to excess.

I know, you are probably saying to yourself, “But he didn’t do anything earth-shattering.”

EXACTLY!

Most people serve the community by doing what they do every day.  They set a good example for their family, co-workers and customers.  They fulfill their daily obligations.  They don’t put themselves or others into harm’s way.  They think with their brain instead of with other parts of their body.    They are wary of evil, and observant of good.

It shouldn’t take a massive, public act of so-called sacrifice by multi-millionaire entertainers and athletes for an act to be recognized as “giving back to the community”.  And it doesn’t take someone destroying their entire family’s well being and/or finances but making up for it in “spending time with the less fortunate” for someone to be recognized for really advancing their family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

And for that, I would like to thank everyone who does the little things every day, and will never, ever get recognized for it.  Thank you for truly giving back to the community.