I Can't Imagine

This past fall my family and I spent time “up north” in Charlevoix, Michigan, a beautiful lakeside community perched on the shores of Lake Michigan. One day we ventured to Ellsworth, a small neighboring town, for lunch. We discovered “The Front Porch,” a restaurant run almost entirely by volunteers who organized after the last restaurant in town closed in 2008. We were pleased to find that their reputation for delicious food, affordable prices, and warm hospitality was well-deserved, and The Front Porch has been added to our list of favorite restaurants.

While dining at The Front Porch, I noted that my napkin was wrapped in a strip of paper on which was printed the following quote:

            “People ask us how we can do what we do. We can’t imagine not doing what we do.”

I’ve been pondering that quote ever since. What is it that I can’t imagine not doing, and why?

Last week I asked you to take a minute to complete a short survey to tell me about your interests. I am thankful that so many of you responded, giving me a small glimpse into the reasons you do what you do. I hope you’ll continue dialoguing with me as we grow together and in the work that we’re all doing around the world.

For the next few weeks, I’ll share more information about my work, my passions, and my inspiration as I explore why it is that I can’t imagine not doing what I do. I hope it will encourage you to do the same. What do you do? What is it that you can’t imagine NOT doing, even if people wonder how (or why) you do it? Hopefully it’ll be a great way to start the new year, helping us to recommit or redirect our energy to the things that matter most!