Let's Build it Better Together

Throughout history people have shared recipes; some have been willingly given and some not. Those that were family recipes became secrets entrusted only to the most faithful who could keep that secret. Others did not want the recipes they were offered for one reason or another. The felt it too complicated and had no desire to put in the effort. Others didn’t like the giver or simply didn’t think they needed any recipe at all. They felt they could do it alone without any assistance whatsoever. Of course, they found out that they did need it and ended up sorry after the results of their efforts were not optimal.
I have a recipe and I have a secret. Well… it’s not really a secret at all. In fact, it is in plain sight. Do you want to know what it is? Of course, you do!
Everyone loves a good secret – the juicier the better – but most cannot keep it a secret. In this case, it would be OK if it slipped out; however, maybe I should swear you to secrecy before I share it with you. Once I have told you, it’s up to you how you proceed with the information and whether you apply it or not. Let me begin.
There is a sign that stands proudly on the right-hand side of the road as you enter the City of Roxton. It has weathered many a storm, but it still stands. It holds the recipe… the secret… “Together we build.”
Just like every recipe shared, there is the giver – someone that believes if the recipe is followed, you will receive the desired results. Something spectacular will happen, and it did.
There was a man that gave this slogan to a group of people who believed it so much and lived the words. The member were “doers,” or you may call them “movers and shakers.” The group included city, county, and school officials; church leaders and business owners; residents of Roxton and even some from Paris. They talked about doing big things, and those things became realities. The put “Together we build” on business cards, letterhead, the school – even the large silos on Front Street. It was contagious!
During this time of unity, the school was completely renovated. People donated their land, services, and goods. The museum, city hall, and the sports complex were all built. The fire department was enlarged. A brick sign that said, “Roxton, Next to Heaven” was placed at the other end of town. So many wonderful things come from people working together.
I bet right now that those of you who were in Roxton then are having flashbacks of memories of those precious people who rolled up their sleeves and worked so hard. Even prisoners worked to create some good. As I was told their story, the teller was grateful for their contributions.
Can you imagine if we all followed this recipe? What could we create or accomplish? If we applied this recipe to every area of our lives, how would things change?
I’m a little different – maybe even a lot – but I’m of the mindset that we can only go up from here. The glass is half full and not at all half empty.
Let’s build something better, and let’s build together.