You need to RELAX

This past weekend was the annual Florida District of Kiwanis International  Convention.

It was my fourth such convention and as it happened it became a time of relaxation and reflection and even remembering for me. I had no responsibilities - I didn't even have to drive to Orlando.  The first thing I did after my trip to the Credentials Table was to grab some juice and a banana and walk into this lovely setting

I took a deep breath and realized "This is what my friends have told me I needed".  This is relaxation.

My time with my friends from the Kiwanis Club of Deercreek was pleasant, filled with laughter and appreciation of the fact that we are Kiwanians because we believe that caring for the children of our world and our community is important.  Someone even told me that my involvement in Kiwanis is one of the ways I "minister".

Of course, there were all sorts of Kiwanis shirts, and one that I saw repeatedly was "Kiwanis Kid". These were not K Kid shirts, but I believe were shirts that were worn by children of Kiwanians.  Our club sponsors three Key Clubs, so we had shirts made to indicate that.  And here is the family of our upcoming  Lt. Governor, Will Hanzel - wearing their shirts. 

Those Kiwanis Kid shirts and Cora and Haley and their mother, Samantha Hanzel in theirs made me think of the opportunities that my sister, Cindy, and I had as children.  Our parents' service organization was Gideons International' We were privileged to attend International Conventions - and went to places like Los Angeles; Chicago, Denver, Pittsburg -- and many others.  We made friends with other children of Gideons (especially Rick and Kathy Darrow in North Augusta, South Carolina who remain our friends today).

In addition to enjoying trips, we often went to different churches to hear our dad tell stories of Gideon Bibles being placed in hotels, schools, and to military personnel, and our mother often spoke about sharing Nurse's New Testaments. 

Our mother was an international officer for six years.  Both of our brothers were born during that time.  Mother stayed involved and we raised our brothers -- 'nuff said about that.

So now I'm home.  Refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges are ahead - filling volunteer slots at the Mandarin Museum and enjoying my Kiwanis Club of Deercreek responsibilities -as the liaison at the Christ Church Academy Key Club.

And other than relaxation and rest did I get anything out of the convention?  One of the things we enjoyed was our conversation at mealtime. 

We all agreed with the fact that we are in Kiwanis because of the opportunities to serve the children and communities of our world and for the fun we share as a group - It's like the CKI Motto says:

"Come for the Service; Stay for the Fellowship".

     May you have enough sunshine in your life

To make you appreciate the shadows

PS CKI is the inclusive umbrella that includes the many Kiwanis organizations from Aktion Clubs to Grey K (which we think we should start).