A new year often brings inspiration of various kinds: diet, exercise, studying harder, staying in touch with friends and about a million others. Sometimes our inspirations hold high resolve. Sometimes, we even act upon them.
During the holidays, my inspiration came from a book, actually a Christmas gift, and what a gift it turned out to be! I’m sure it was well-meant for reading enjoyment about things that I am very interested in: quality journalism, international issues and lots of politics. But the gift went way beyond reading enjoyment. It was a personal inspiration. The book was a provocative read and led me on a path that I had not traveled for awhile. The place that it took me was inspiration.
The book is Peter Jennings, A Reporter’s Life. It is unique because it is a life story told by many people who knew Peter Jennings well over his four decades in as a world famous news journalist and a nightly fixture on ABC news. The testaments to his life range from his number one competition in the world of news and, dear friend, Tom Brokaw to a famous Palestinian woman leader, whom he first met when she was a university student and he was reporting on the Middle East. Then there were many friends, his children and even a few U. S. Presidents.
So why was I inspired by this book? Peter Jennings was not just a highly accomplished journalist, who was elegant, articulate and debonair. He was a person of high character, humility and values, who until the end of his life remained steadfast to his service to others. He saw his pursuit of truth as a journalist as a way of serving the people of the world, not as a way to achieve stardom and acclaim. Just as he served the people of the world with his reporting, he served the homeless people of New York City. During his life, he never wanted that to be public knowledge. Only recently has his commitment and service to the homeless become known. He served food, raised funds and counseled with the homeless. It took his friends and even some of the homeless to tell this part of his story. And he did all this with such style!
The recounting of Peter’s steadfast commitment to service, whether through seeking truth or constant service to the downtrodden, gave testimony to a life well-lived and full. His rich life, full of love, caring, and serving others caused me to examine myself -- and to be inspired toward a personal resolve to do more toward serving others.
What about you? This is a good time to examine your service to others. Over the years, I have found that although my “giving back” aids others, I come away with rewards, too. There is always learning from service, hence, the term -- “service learning.”
Have a great 2008!
P.S. By the way, I read Eric Clapton’s new autobiography over the holidays, too!