It was March 2020 in Greensboro, NC, and the start of the ACC Tournament. I was sitting courtside watching UNC vs Syracuse when the dominos started to fall. Tom Hanks, NBA suspending their season, and so on. Incredible! Everything was happening so quickly and all I could think of was “how are they going to continue playing this game?” That was one year ago.
Fast forward to today and they are going to play the ACC and NCAA Tournament this year. I can’t help but think of all those who had to sacrifice along the way to get to this point. Then I realized it wasn’t just basketball I was thinking about. In fact, it was almost everyone else outside of sports that I was really thinking about.
What have we been doing over the last 12 months? We live in a society that suggests we should be served. We are entitled to this or that.
Let me share a quick story. Our schools are preparing to re-open for the first time. Teachers and administrators are working hard to get their classrooms ready for the return of their students. In our household there are nerves and excitement. My 9th grade son needs this the most. My wife might argue she needs it more.
A neighborhood teacher friend started working on putting together care packages for all her fellow teachers and administrators. She was in tears (of joy and gratitude) when one local business owner offered to donate their goods for the cause.
I was reminded right then that the way to true greatness is through the service of others; your classmates, teammates, colleagues, neighbors and community.
This past year I was honored to have been asked to serve as a pallbearer on three different occasions. Two of them lived a long life that was rich on so many levels. They served their respective communities and industries and influenced so many along the way. The other served his country – the ultimate servant! In many instances they all served privately or anonymously. I heard a saying that what you do in the dark will shine bright in the light. Powerful!
So, when I think about these last 12 months I continue to be lifted with inspiration from those who serve. You know who you are. I grew up in West Virginia and we have a saying: “Always leave your campsite better than you found it.” It makes sense right. Make your place better than it was before you got there.
Thank you for trusting us with your financial well-being and allowing us to serve you!
Cheers,
Jim Miller