I glanced over this article several times. It wasn't really an article about an Optimist Club Respect for Law activity although there were definitely pictures of police officers. The headline declared "Optimists hear about FBI training." Ho. Hum. I can imagine that would be interesting if you know the officer or could hear it first hand, but it wasn't grabbing me as something to chronicle, something to keep right here as a way to experience optimism. Until...Yes, I'm alway excited when there is an until moment because that means there is a story behind the story. It became obvious when I took a closer look. Do you see it?
That's right, there is a round badge in the center of Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell's chest declaring that he is a member of the Noon Optimist Club of Rome, Georgia. His presentation about the training he received at Quantico was enjoyed by more than the public that he serves. It was welcomed warmly by people who feel a kinship to this man almost as if a member of their family had been given a special honor.
All Optimist Clubs have members with special interests and talents and everyone has a lifetime of experience. Why not hear more from those people who sit beside us week after week? Don't be afraid to learn more about your friends who join you in service. Ask them to make a presentation about their work or an interesting time in their life. They might just have an enlightening story to share.
Photo credit: The Rome News Tribune