My daughter is the perfect antidote to holiday rushing that can sometimes take away from the true meaning of this season. While I’m caught up in ugly sweaters and gag white-elephant gifts, seeing this time of year through her eyes reveals the magic and wonder I lost along with my youth. She got me pondering what she believes in and therefore what I believe in.

My spirituality challenges me to believe in things many would describe as unbelievable. Another question might be, what do I have faith in?

I believe in the Rotarian ringing the bell at the store entrance. I believe in a club helping to restore dignity to a child in the foster care system. I believe in clubs adopting a family who otherwise wouldn’t be able to give their kids toys for Christmas.

The most recent episode of the District 5495 Rotary Express Podcast is a story which is almost unbelievable. But the story in “Our District’s Anthem” episode absolutely happened in epic fashion. It’s a story of a Rotary club who believed they could help. It’s a story of a community who came together to support that club’s belief. It’s a story that renews faith that what we imagine, we can achieve even beyond our own expectations.

The Rotary clubs in District 5495 here in Arizona do a tremendous amount of service throughout the year. Every so often a project really stands out. Those are projects where you often get to see the face of the person you’re helping.  In those projects, you get back more than you give. Those projects renew our faith— help us believe again.

Children have a mystical belief in Santa simply because they believe their good behavior throughout the year ends with a visit from Old St. Nick, who brings with him joy and goodwill (and lots of toys)!

Likewise, the generosity of Rotarians – in their communities and throughout the world – awes and inspires. Our efforts also bring joy and goodwill to those whose lives we touch, and I’m certain, restore one’s faith in humanity – and the belief that people can and do change our world for the better.

Thank you to all Rotarians for all you do to make our world a better place. And for those of you who are looking for a way to give back – I encourage you to visit your local Rotary club and consider becoming a part of our Rotary family.

Click here for information on joining a local Rotary club.

Joining Rotary – or any service organization for that matter – provides you with an opportunity to impact lives in your community and in your world, and in the process, change your own life for the better.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Larry Horton, a resident of Gilbert, is the 2022-23 District Governor for Rotary International District 5495, which includes 66 community-based Rotary Clubs in Arizona, nine Rotaract Clubs and dozens of high school-level Interact Clubs.  Visit azrotary.org to find local Rotary service projects in your area.