November 22, 2013: In human endeavors, we all have a personal and collective stake, and therefore we must all contribute. When efforts are undertaken in the right spirit, with an all-embracing vision and sustained dedication, we witness a higher grace at work, miracles and dreams becoming reality, and as the celebrated 102-year old Sikh marathoner Fauja Singh often reminds us, when we train on the goal and destination: "impossible is nothing."
Whether the effort leads to success and yet more effort or a new direction, we are enriched by the experience and lessons that it may enshrine. We understand, among other things, that many hearts and hands, talents and skills, imagination and innovations will be needed: to make President John F. Kennedy's challenge "Ask not what your Country can do for you; Ask what you can do for your Country;" to fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream;" to end global poverty, hunger, illiteracy, disease, prejudice and violence. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is asking us to make the Twenty-First a Century of Compassion.
Great tasks are never easy: they demand pioneers, dream-catchers, trailblazers, and champions of the human race from among the ordinary and extraordinary working individually and together, selflessly and tirelessly, to make the impossible possible. We have the opportunity and responsibility to make the human universe better and more promising for everyone. We have inherited incredible legacy, legends, and lessons to guide us.
We benefit in myriad ways from man's great achievements: We benefit when our neighborhoods are safe, vibrant, and inviting; when goodwill and promising horizons inspire us to participate in endeavors that celebrate our shared humanity as One God's Children; when we bring hope, healing, and assurance to others.
Imagine the "Season for Sharing" initiative of The Indianapolis Star supporting worthy service organizations; The Mercy Foundation of Texas and its flagship, Africa Mercy hospital ship, bringing free health services to millions on the West Coast of Africa; the Golden Temple at Amritsar daily providing free food to over 100,000 visitors and pilgrims of every race, culture, and faith.
Now imagine countless efforts to uplift humanity or a neighbor, all across the world that make every day a "Make a Difference Day." Many leave lasting imprints; inspire and usher in a renaissance of creativity and commitment.
Imagination, innovation, human compassion, and philanthropy are hard at work, especially during natural and man-made disasters: Doctors Without Borders are assisting displaced families at great personal peril; the relief organizations at many levels are coordinating and rushing aid to help Philippines Typhoon, Japanese Earthquake-Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina victims, or helping caravans of refugees caught in deadly and tragic conflicts.
The world witnessed the miracle of prayer and hope: 33 trapped miners in Chile lifted to safety in one of the most daring rescue efforts undertaken by man. Science, technology, medicine, and humanities have connected the global village.
The human journey has never been without incredible struggles, sacrifices, and unimagined hardships: The Ninth Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur championed the cause of the unjust persecution of Hindu faith and sacrificed his life in India in 1675 to end the tyranny and terror of bigotry and injustice of the ruling zealots, and in defense of sacred universal human rights. The Veterans Day commemorations are a solemn reminder of American commitment to peace, liberty, and freedoms in faraway lands and cultures; honor, pride, testimony of courage and sacrifices too large to recount.
Transformational visions and endeavors uplift humanity: Interfaith Hunger Initiatives, multi-faith Thanksgiving celebrations; Festivals of faiths and diverse cultures dispel unfounded stereotyping, reinforce common threads that unite us in spirituality and humanitarian mandate.
In today's increasingly interdependent world, our destinies, safety, prosperity and peace are intertwined in many ways and at multiple levels. Ideas, people, and cultures are on the move across once-unimagined boundaries. We must understand this reality: explore and identify ways past the traditional struggles and cultural distractions to initiate productive ideas, explore welcoming horizons. Learning, engagement, and networking remain our greatest hope.
It all begins with according each other the respect and human dignity, keeping all the divisive elements, self-righteous and self-centered ideas out; focusing on our individual and collective well-being; serving, sharing, celebrating, and making a difference that benefits our fragile temporal "village" and honoring God.
It gives me pause to reflect and pray; see my life as one of unimagined blessings; strive to do what God asks of me.
