~ by D. R. “D” Schieferstein, Past President LRAA and Richardson East Rotary Club
 

My bride of 35 years is more talented than she realizes.  While she doesn’t sit at the piano as often as she once did, she always made me wish I had spent more time learning to play.  Whether I’m sitting with my eyes closed taking in the beautiful pieces she selects or whether I’m watching her hands glide across the keys, it is always an enjoyment for me.  There is something beautiful flowing from her hands and especially from her heart when she plays.

I could probably, with enough time, figure out which keys to strike in order to play one of the pieces she would play.  Trust me though, it would not sound the same.  You see, the music doesn’t come from just hitting the right keys at the right time, it comes from the heart.  It requires her to open her heart and hands, stretch across the octaves and be in the music.  It commands the willingness, discipline and devotion to practice, practice and practice even more.

Volunteering also requires us to open our hearts and hands first.  It too commands us to stretch across our community with willingness, discipline and devotion and be in the community.  Many may clench their fists with resentment, selfishness, egotism and greed; relying on our government, or someone else, to fix whatever issues need repairing.  Volunteering commands us to open our hearts and hands so we can reach out to others and help in our own way.

According to a national survey commissioned by United Health Group, volunteering is good for your health.  Of those surveyed, seventy-six percent said volunteering has made them feel healthier.  Seventy-eight percent said it lowered their stress level, ninety-four percent said their mood was improved and ninety-six percent said volunteering enriched their sense of purpose.

For some, just opening their wallet allows them to feel better.  However, I would challenge them to also unclench their fists, open their hearts, reach out and feel how great it is to help others.  There are myriad ways to get involved, locally or abroad.    

You cannot play the piano with a clenched fist and you cannot reach out with a helping hand with one either.