Two Hands

If you go to my myspace page you will see a video link to the Ben Harper song titled “Two Hands” I first heard this song about a year or so ago in the bay and was instantly hooked. Never mind the pulsing reggae rhythms, the lyrics of this song cut straight to my heart. I have always wanted to help people, but more than not we as people end up taking care of number one first. This is human nature, and I am guilty of it more than most. During my stay in Jamaica I knew I had to make some changes in my life. I had been somewhat successful in the business world and had been another part in the corporate cog of America. There is nothing wiring with this as we all need to work and have to have a job. Yet in my soul, I knew that I was more than a guy who collected rent and scheduled apartment cleanings. I knew that I could help people as I once did I college and could make someone else’s day brighter.

On the beach one morning I prayed for God to make me a blessing to someone each day. Ironically I was thrown back to my Boy Scout motto, which says to “Do a good turn daily”. Back in the day this was seen as helping a old woman across the road, but in the modern times it is something as easy as holding the door open for a person. That extra five seconds you spend holding that door, may be the relief they needed to get them through the day. We have all been on both sides of that coin!!

Upon my return I knew I had to get active. I knew that my talents were being wasted if not for my sake, but for that sake of those who could not advocate for them selves. Unfortunately, the real world caught up to me quickly and the bills had to get paid. I had a little savings, but not enough to become a wandering missionary feeding the homeless. I had to work, so it was back to the man I went!!

In June I joined a new church. At first I was a little skeptical because it was across from my old high school and I was not really feeling the level of diversity I desired in a place of worship. I found myself doubting my ability to grow in this congregation. I went back a couple more times and decided to meet with the pastor for a little one on one Q’n A. As we discussed all topics from church to politics to sports, I mentioned my desire to get active in the community. He also expressed a desire for that among the church members and suddenly we were speaking the same language. I instantly got tapped into a group through the church and before I knew was heading up a feed a family program for needy families in our town.

When it rains, it pours. Just about the time I was getting involved with this program, I had become also involved with a couple other volunteer organizations. One with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and eh other with a local church who has a basketball program for teens. all this in a matter of a month. In typical Oliver Fashion I could not say know and my evenings are completely booked. Careful what you wish (or pray) for. My beach prayer had been answered and in typical Godly fashion multiplied into abundance!! Now my problem is juggling my calendar so that I am able to participate in all activities equally while maintaining somewhat remnants of a social life. Fortunately I have been blessed to have everything line up on different days and weekends.
One of my friends asked me a “why are you doing all this stuff”. My reply was simply because I can and I want to. As much as I would love to come home one evening from work and relax, I feel so much better about things knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life today…guess its still the Boy Scout in me!!