Next year will be the 20th anniversary of a unique event. In the town of Vail, Colorado, the Rotary Club will be hosting their annual “Duck Race.” Every Labor Day weekend the club sponsors what has become their greatest fundraiser. People can sponsor a rubber duck for a chance to win a prize if their duck happens to be the first one down the river. 13,000 rubber ducks are released upstream and people gather around to watch the fun.
What a creative way to raise money for projects that are transforming lives in and around the community! I think that sometimes we tend to think that living a life committed to making a difference is boring. Now, it is true that it can sometimes be hard work to do things that will change the world, but it doesn’t have to be dull. The truth is that a life that makes a difference is more exciting and a lot more fun. Maybe that fun is found in the way we go about creating change – like organizing a rubber duck race down the river. But the fun can also come in our own outlook on life. There is a joy that is found in knowing that you are practicing kindness in the world.
What are the ways that you can find joy in kindness?
In John 10:10, Jesus is recorded as saying, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I don’t believe that Jesus ever wanted us to trudge through life. I think that He wants us to live life to the fullest – not just for our own joy and fulfillment, but for others as well.
What is something you can do today that would be a fun way to show kindness? Where can you find joy in doing something for someone else? Today is your day to live an abundant life by practicing kindness.
Rev. Wendy Lambert, Senior Executive Pastor
