Anyone with a fisherman in the family is familiar with the concept of catch and release: by releasing a catch, you can assure there are fish to catch in the future. A similar idea — bless and release – can assure we have a stronger organization in the future. It is an interesting, if not kinder and gentler, means to deal with the change that seems to always be present in our lives.
Within our lives, our clubs, and Sertoma we have clutter that has accumulated during the years. One example is how holiday decorations seem to multiply in the attic. The number and size of boxes seem to increase each year. As we sort the decorations to trim the tree, we set aside boxes with decorations from years past. Some are scraps and bits from homemade items, others are faded and stained bulbs from our first years, and some look brand new. Those usually fall under the category of “what were we thinking.”
But, even though we know most of these will never trim the tree or deck the hall, there they remain. What we need to do is bless and release these items. It will not diminish the memories, and it will open up space in our lives (not to mention the attic). Like so many things, it is difficult to let go. So we carry it around, not realizing that it keeps us from moving on, from seeing new opportunities. But there is great power and potential in the ability to bless and release.
It is a concept as important to Sertoma as to your household. Look at the accumulated programs, traditions, even the people around you, and consider if it is time to bless and release. Yes, even people might need to be released from our lives. We have all experienced the members who do nothing but complain, never step up to do the work, or never have a positive idea. There are those individuals who seem to thrive on confrontation as a means to an end, or worse, some sort of sport. We have become so focused on “numbers of members” that it is hard to recall: Sertoma is about service, not headcounts. And how much more attractive would we be to new members if they found Sertoma a place of positive energy, shared values, and personal respect?
Take a deep breath! This is not a charge to go start “releasing” members, but it is an example of how bless and release is an important concept. It might be old programs or sponsorships that need blessing; it might be meeting times or committee structures. But the release will allow us to take advantage of opportunity. Because if we don’t let something go, at some point we have too many boxes of decorations we don’t use and no place for new ones.
Yours in Service
Steven Murphy
Executive Director
