As those close to me know, despite the fact that I can’t sing, dance or play an instrument, I love music. And while I love “classic rock” from the 70’s (think Queen, Aerosmith, Kiss, Van Halen), I have grown to enjoy and appreciate many types of music. One of my favorite bands today is a contemporary Christian band known as Casting Crowns. Their songs are thought provoking and at the same time encouraging. One of their songs that I have come to appreciate is “LifeSong” which essentially challenges us to think about “the things we say and the things we do” as our own personal song to our creator and to the world.Our objective at the Y of Central Maryland is to impact people’s lives in a positive way. That impact occurs through programs and services that bring families and communities together, that help people grow and improve in spirit, mind and body. Essentially, we are people (our staff) helping people (our members) improve. I believe one of the key reasons that we are able to have such a significant effect on so many lives is because we have so many staff members who believe that a key purpose in their life, or their “Lifesong,” is to make a difference.
Additionally, health researchers tell us that those who have a sense of purpose in their lives and are focused on helping others and contributing to the greater good typically experience a higher level of health than those who feel lost and disconnected. In other words, good health is achieved through more than regular exercise and good nutrition. What’s your purpose? What’s your “Lifesong”?
Setting aside one’s own theology for a moment, just think of the powerful impact we can have on people, our communities—and subsequently ourselves if we think of our own actions and words on a daily basis as our song to the world.
Posted by Bob Brosmer, Chief Operating Officer, Y of Central Maryland
