Beginning Again!

by Kaye Price-Hawkins, Retired Educational Consultant and CFA Fundholder

It’s that time again! School bells are ringing all over town and throughout the nation. Everyone has been fighting the lines to make special purchases specifically focused on school supplies. In fact, many organizations promoted school supply drives for those who might not be in a position to purchase all of the supplies needed. This preparation is sometimes daunting.

You may have been caught in the traffic around 8:15 in the mornings and 3:00 in the afternoons. The areas around the schools are congested with cars lined up as parents drop off or pick up their children. We are back in the routine that involves certain parameters and frustrations. On the other hand, the routine is comforting in many ways. Spontaneity gives way to scheduled activities.

Yes, it is the time of planning and new beginnings. Plato said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” The spirit of the back-to-school season reminds us that now is a good time to think about other kinds of beginnings and the plans that accompany those fresh starts. Personally, once I am back on a regular schedule, I find a rhythm and an energy in a routine.

Many begin to contemplate what special causes they want to support and how to provide assistance. Nonprofits often initiate special activities and/or try to fulfill requests. As they experience certain financial requirements necessary to provide a variety of needs and enhancements the public might request and/or enjoy, donors stand ready to assist.

Personally, I begin thinking about things I want to accomplish and within those dreams, a number of meaningful projects resonate with me. Really, it is not difficult to find causes to care about in our town. Abilene encourages working together to support the encroaching needs and enchanting enrichments for families of all sizes and compositions. This extraordinary town has more than a thousand 501(c)(3)’s which rely on the generosity of others and major grants.

One thing I know is that if you are looking for a special way or place to give, no matter how much or how little you have available, the Community Foundation of Abilene remains a brilliant place to start. Jasmine McCabe-Gossett can guide you as you enter a new adventure of giving.

I asked a friend the other day how she was, and she replied, “I’m living the dream, Baby, living the dream!” Her joyful response reminded me of a quote by Henry David Thoreau, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams—live the life you imagine.” The life I imagine is one that includes opportunities to discover, friends and family to celebrate, new things to learn, and fresh circumstances in which to share and give back.

I have been on the receiving end of generosity in my past, and now I choose to pay it forward. I invite you to join me in this philanthropic journey. Hope to see you along the way. Blessings to you and yours as you choose what to do with your new beginning.