Where The Joy Is (29. September 2008, 09:21 by Kristen Corning) ~ Assets? What Assets?
We are living through historical times. I suppose we always are, but I have a sense of witnessing it like it was something I’m watching in retrospect. Our investments are being rocked, we are at war, we have a momentous election ahead … whether you’re worried about putting food on the table or your financial security for retirement, we are all feeling the crunch. Everyone is worried about making ends meet on some level. And when the wealthiest suffer, innovation and nonprofit stability suffers. Regardless of wealth, when one of us suffers, we all suffer.
I was at a meeting last week where someone said, “having so much stuff is not where the joy is”. She was talking about the fact that less than 20% of people mention charities in their wills, and encouraging us to think about our assets and what can be given away, at our death and throughout our lives.
In times like this, the playing field is leveled somewhat and I’m reminded that assets are temporary. You don’t actually own anything. Your house can burn down, your bank can be bought, your investments can evaporate, your car can be stolen. At the end of the day, we are all equal in the tangible items that we possess. Our greatest asset, one that any of us can truly possess, is the gratitude for what we have in the present moment, whatever that might be. And this asset is sustainable and grows when given away.
It’s easy for me to get caught up and anxious about the market, what it means for me personally and for the philanthropic industry. But when I step outside and appreciate a crisp wind and the coming of the fall season, I realize the birds getting ready to head south, have never heard of Wall Street. They roll on. And I am filled with joy. I remain wealthy in my ability to appreciate what is. In the ups and downs of tangible assets, I live richly … and I continue to give to those with less than me.
I would like to hear your thoughts on what is it about Tacoma that makes you want to give back to the community? What is it that brings you joy? Even in these tough financial times, is there enough joy in our community for us to look outside of our needs and towards others to help their needs?
Kristen Corning Bedford is director of community programs for The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, where she is responsible for designing and implementing community outreach programs and managing the strategic community grants program. Thus far, her co-workers have been unsuccessful in convincing her that 'community outreach' does not mean setting up an office at a coffee shop. She has a penchant for collecting stray nuts that she finds in the road … we're talkin' hardware here … and placing them on windowsills.
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What an important message you have given us. I want to relate a story on myself. I do it not to make my self look good but in hopes that it might inspire others. That a small thing can do good and at he same time make the giver fee soo good. About two months ago I was buying some groceries at the Safeway at S. 38th and M Street. Ahead of me in line was a man who looked to be perhaps 35. He was not well dressed but was not shabby. From the looks of what he was buying he had a family. As the checker was ringing up his items it became obvious he didn’t have enough money, so he started taking things away, all of which were healthy items unlike my usual ice cream and cookies! I stood there struggling with whether I should do something. Finally after the items were bagged, I wispered to the checker to please add the excluded items to my bill and give them to the man. At first he didn’t realize what had happened, but when he did the look on his face was worth many time the whopping $31 I spent. In addition I got to feel good for the next week!
1 | Posted by michael buchanan | Sep 29, 12:50 PM
I love to hear stories like this Michael, thanks for sharing. Being proactive and thoughtful in these moments is so simple, yet often overlooked. And it’s going to be increasingly important for us to remember our humanity and act on these seemingly little gestures.
“Regardless of wealth, when one of us suffers, we all suffer.”
lol
3 | Posted by crenshaw sepulveda | Sep 29, 04:20 PM
Hey, that guy overshopping at Safeway stole my act.
4 | Posted by Mofo from the Hood | Sep 29, 06:42 PM
All we actually truly own are our experiences, our relationships with others.
All other things, all material possessions, our bodies, even the very Earth we walk on are merely passing shadows, illusions in time. We cannot own any material thing; they are as fleeting as we are.
All of this passes, the only thing we take with us when we shed these mortal coils is our relationships with others.
5 | Posted by Thorax O'Tool | Sep 29, 10:06 PM
Thorax,
Very well spoken. Much better than I could do. Thanks.
6 | Posted by michael buchanan | Sep 30, 02:38 AM
Mr. O’Tool, Mr. Buchanan: If that’s the way you feel, can I have your money? I’ve got dreams to buy.
7 | Posted by Mofo from the Hood | Sep 30, 07:20 AM
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