From: John Brooks
Columbus
I took a speech class where I attended high school. In our first class, Fr. Jerry offered this advice: when you are struggling to find the beginning for a speech, always begin with a joke. I have always liked that advice. My problem is that I am terrible at telling jokes.
One of favorite TV shows has always been "Seinfeld." I also love to listen to comedian Jim Gaffigan. I like "Seinfeld" and Gaffigan because they find the humor in everyday life. They observe and they ask questions, and I like that. If you are not observing, you are not caring. If you are not asking questions, you are not listening. If you are not observing and questioning; caring and listening; you are not experiencing life to the fullest and you are not using God’s greatest gift to us: our imaginations.
Our imaginations allow us to see the world and our lives from three unique perspectives: how we see the past, present and future.
Our problem is that sometimes we get stuck in just one perspective. When we focus on only one perspective, we lose sight of the other two and we limit and miss great opportunities.
Our imaginations are the light in the darkness. Nothing is impossible with our imaginations. No barrier too high, too wide or too strong; no obstacle that we cannot conquer.
Our imaginations help us set goals. Our imaginations help us to deal with life’s frustrations. Our imaginations help us deal with the pain, suffering, loneliness and grief in life. Our imaginations intensify our joy, happiness, understanding, compassion and love. Our imaginations are special and unique to us — it is one of our superpowers.
After writing the last line, my imagination took over.
This was not the direction I was thinking for this piece, but now I was thinking about superheroes and superpowers. Sometimes I imagine myself a superhero with superpowers although others see it more often than I.
Every time I spread the joy I feel in my heart, I use one of my superpowers. Every time I offer encouragement with a smile, a wave or a kind word, I use one of my superpowers. Every time I feel with a compassionate heart and hear with a caring ear, the suffering or grief of another, I use one of my superpowers. Every time I pause to understand another’s pain and respond with kindness and love, I use one of my superpowers. Every time I help to transform sadness into happiness, I use one of my superpowers.
Sometimes just meeting a person where they are, being present and being a friend is all they need.
Heroes are often defined by specific acts. Superheroes and volunteers are defined by their commitment to serve. Heroes, superheroes and volunteers all have one trait in common, when called to serve, they answer the call.
Imagine the difference if you became a volunteer superhero and used your superpowers for someone who needs you today.
