Dear MSU Extension faculty and staff,

 

I recently heard a radio commentator remark that this is the time of year when adults have permission to

be unabashedly sentimental. Even the stodgiest cynics can be found with a hint of glitter in their hair or on their coat sleeves and not feel compelled to explain their newfound glow. Nothing represents the sentimentality of the season for me better than the feeling I have for Clarence, the bumbling guardian angel in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In spite of his missteps, Clarence earns his angel wings by giving everyman George Bailey a glimpse into what the world would have looked like had he not been born and how many people’s lives would have not been improved thanks to George’s personal and professional endeavors.

 

I would like to suggest that we each take some time to think like Clarence this holiday season. I think it is revealing and instructive to conduct the same mind experiment that Clarence performed with George. You may not have access to the same technology as Hollywood filmmakers, but your imagination can fill in very well.  How would people’s lives be different in your community if you were not there? How would your community be different if our organization did not exist?

 

There are farms and other businesses that would not be in operation today if our educators and specialists were not on hand to provide sound information and financial analysis assistance. There are youths who would be in prison today, if not for MSU Extension’s mentoring programs and the volunteers who give of themselves to provide support and assistance. There are senior citizens in assisted living facilities who would be struggling to manage their health needs if our program associates had not provided one-on-one nutrition advice. There are shorelines that would be eroding away at lawns and valuable wetlands if our district educators had not provided insight on how to stabilize the shore with vegetation. There are communities that would not have attracted new businesses and cultural enterprises if their county Extension directors had not been involved in facilitating action and developing plans and processes for attracting and retaining these enterprises.

 

It often goes against our nature as individuals and as an organization to think about what impacts we have had on the people and communities around us. We’re taught to be humble and not self-assuming, and those are admirable traits. But at times we need to hear that we’ve made a difference in the lives of others to rejuvenate our efforts for the New Year.

 

Imagine that Clarence is standing next to you. Let him take you on that imaginary journey to a world that would be different--and worse off--without you in it. Let the obvious positive affect that you’ve had in your personal and professional lives be a reminder of why you need to continue to grow and contribute in the year ahead. You’re not being insincere or boastful when you do this. Instead, you’re being a responsible steward of the life and gifts that you have to share. Thank you for all that you do to make a difference in the world around you!

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Coon

Director

MSU Extension