On Finding Meaning: The All Y'All Players

" When we were young we wanted to save the world. Now we are here to help out in the neighborhood," Rick Danko, of The Band once said.

 That was not an admission of failure. It was a recognition of the importance of service to the community.

 Young people often ask me about finding meaning in their future lives. They generally are talking about choices of employment. As important as that decision is, I always remind them that their are many ways to use one's talents off the job to help build a better world. I remind them that service need not be drudgery. The use of one's special interest, and special talents can be fun. The fact that one has fun while being of service to others makes it even better.

 Our program has recently been the beneficiary of an innovative approach to do just that. The "All Y'All Players" are a group of local theater enthusiasts who use their talent to put on murder mystery fun productions with the proceeds going to local charities. I was honored when they offered to make Mill Swamp Indian Horses a beneficiary of their most recent production.

 I loved the invitation to come out and tell the audience a bit about our program before two nights of shows. I loved watching the performances. They have done, and are continuing to do, great work and it is clear from watching that they love their work. 

 Everyone can make a contribution to a better community and when we do that we are making a contribution to a better world. The "All Y'All Players" are doing just that.