Image by kk+ via Flickr"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
Wayne Gretzky
Taking shots is the essence of being alive. In our day to day lives, we are constantly debating the merits of what to do, from the mundane to the monumental. I am increasingly coming to embrace a truly Canadian philosophy. Either you shoot, pass, or dump it in. I also came to a realisation that I have spent most of my life dumping the puck in and going to the bench.
In the last little while, I've taken a few shots. I even took a shot from my proverbial side of centre ice that bounced off a bunch of people and went in the net. As a result of that shot, a few children in Africa have a slightly better chance that they will one day be able to take their own shot.
But the thing that Mr. Gretzky failed to mention is that before you can take the shot, someone has to pass you the puck, and that you need a puck in the first place.
Today I went to Western Union Union and sent Toufic $855.97 Cedi, and I want to thank everyone who donated. I know that the window was short for this particular microproject and that more people expressed interest in donating for this, but once the total is met, the window is closed. Don't worry, I'll get you next time.
And all of you may consider that the puck you passed to me has been been passed to Toufic. I know he is going to take his shot.
I just hope he scores.
As I walked out of the Western Union branch, I suddenly felt a little bit better about everything. In the receding light and burgeoning chill of an early spring day I realised that we may not be able to change the world, but that doesen't mean we're powerless.
Sometimes all we need is someone to pass us the puck, and give us a chance to score.
Posts
