getting involved

Yvon Chouinard (left) founder of the outdoor clothing company Patagonia, and Wayne Lynch, pictured with their surfboards at Santa Cruz Island, Mar Meada. Picture by Tim Davies.

cool photo. It's from an article you can read here, in the Brisbane Times... ain't the internet great? The article briefly covers Patagonia's ability to survive the downturn in the world economy, Choinard's business model and background and their forward thinking outlook on saving our planet's resources. All pretty good stuff.

I confess, it was the photo of the guy Choinard's walking with Wayne Lynch- a 58 year old former cult status surfer that drew my attention to any of it -he's my generation and he was always cutting edge in the water... and apparently he's still alive! But the final words of Patagonia's owner got me writing. He said:

>"I'm a doom bat," he insists. "But, you know what? I'm a happy doom bat. Because as long as I feel I'm part of the process of doing something, I'm not part of the problem. I'm part of the solution, and I feel fine about it."<

"As long as I feel I'm part of the process..." I like to feel that way too. Nothing worse than feeling like we're not making an impact or working towards the greater good. If our efforts only enhance our own well being... they also take away from the greater good. When we invest ourselves in work that lifts up everyone- we lift up ourselves as well.

It's what I love about the church... about God's Kingdom... about my small part serving in it... making a difference and confidently reaching out our hands to others letting them know that they're invited to join the greatest cause on the planet- to save all of creation, in love, through service in His Name.

You're Invited. What are you doing with your life? What images will you hold dear some day? I'm guessing both the guy from Patagonia and Wayne Lynch kind of like this photo... out of the water, after a surf, working together with a common goal- far later in life than they'd ever imagined when they were in their 20's... both probably wondering why they didn't get started any sooner... why they let so many days slide by...

We don't have to let another day slip away. Get involved in the process. Until you do... you're only part of the problem. And that's not a photo anyone wants to keep in their "golden years."

blessings,

Eric