A Good Year.

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Written by Ron Pyle

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

"What you make, you spend. What you save, you lose. What you give, you keep." A simple, yet profound, statement. We are blessed here at ASA, and we will be able to share our blessings with others. After all, isn't that what this season is supposed to be about? In the midst of all the bad economic news, it might be difficult to remain positive. However, I can't help but be in a good mood this week. You see, I am surrounded by a group of people who are dedicated to making a difference. I am inspired by their spirit of generosity. For several years, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) staff has been involved in an effort to help those less fortunate at Christmas. Prior to the holidays, Carol Dennis, or as we know her, "Mrs. Santa," (who recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with ASA), works with local agencies to identify families in need and organizes a drive to collect donations from the staff to purchase specific items for each person in those selected families. Over time, the effort has grown to include a matching donation from the association in lieu of gifts for the volunteer leadership, which the leaders heartily endorse. Most recently, the program has expanded to include support for Auto Mission, whose own efforts have been profiled in AutoInc. magazine. Well, Carol and her elves have really outdone themselves this year. When I arrived at the office yesterday, the conference room tables were loaded with clothes, toys, household appliances and other gifts for six deserving families. The most enjoyable part of this exercise comes when everyone gathers to wrap all these presents. What I enjoy most is watching the group interact with one another as they work. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you give from the heart, and the smiles on their faces said it all. So, because we are blessed, we will be able to share our blessings with others, and after all, isn't that what the season is supposed to be about? My good friend, Aaron Clements, who is a volunteer leader and immediate-past chairman of our association, sent me an e-mail the other day and it was tagged with this message: "What you make, you spend. What you save, you lose. What you give, you keep." It's simple, yet profound. We may be inclined to look back at 2008 as a year we would like to forget, but it may be a good idea to commit it to memory as a time when we were challenged and still rose to the occasion by choosing to make a difference. Because good people are still willing to give from the heart, 2008 can be a good memory for many. Add Comments

 

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