“The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.”
Most of us are familiar with this idea from Confucius, or the Aesop’s fable similar in theme about the oak tree and the blades of grass. The oak is mighty and strong, but with great change, and sometimes great hardship, its deep roots and rigid structure prevent its survival. Whereas, the blades of grass bend and sway with the winds of change, remaining unharmed after a great storm.
The only constant in life is change—in life, in work, and yes, in Rotary. Change is something we encounter week by week, day by day, and even minute by minute throughout our lives. Change can be hard for some to accept, and we all experience it at a different pace. It is something we need to navigate, work through, or, best of all, embrace.
With 10 months of our Rotary year behind us, I look back over that time in awe of the changes our club and our individual members have gone through. Health concerns, financial anxiety, job changes, and even death of loved-ones have plagued our members. Our club is in a state of transition in how we operate, defining what we are working toward and even identifying our purpose beyond the general “doing good in the world.” This is not unique to our club or to this Rotary year. This is something being wrestled with by Rotary clubs in Abbotsford and afar, and will continue as Rotary looks to remain relevant in this ever-changing world.
Each of us ebb and flow with our engagement and excitement for Rotary. I will admit to losing my Rotary mojo a time or two (or ten) throughout the year. That’s what comes with having great passion for something. Amongst all the highs and lows, I know we are still a very healthy club. We have committees and a board of directors in place to run the day-to-day areas of the club and plan for the coming years. We have a continuity plan for the future of the club’s leadership and growth of the members. We have great opportunities for members to step into new roles and take Rotary training offered up by the District. Also, we have a willingness to make changes to adapt to the world as it is now. Though not always easy, we as a club and individuals are strong enough to make changes. Maybe it feels like we’ve handled a lot of change lately because we are driving that change, making it happen; we are not afraid to move forward. Perhaps this occasional discomfort we have is what progress feels like.
As the final months of the 2016-17 year are upon us (7 weeks to go – not that I’m counting – haha), I am certain that the Rotary Club of Abbotsford is still the place I want to be. Rotary is where I go to feel connected to people who are doing good in the world. The Rotary community is strong and deeply rooted, like the mighty oak, but becoming more flexible, like the blades of grass, to adjust to the ever-changing world. Live life like a Rotarian; love fully and give generously of yourself. Rotary is still the place I turn to as my outlet to give, and I whole-heartedly encourage you to continue to do the same.
Yours in Rotary,
President Sara