Notes Along the Journey 02: Available

Remember, these are mainly for myself. Diary entries of a sort… It might or might not have any value for you, the reader 🙂 Just saying.

“I know you can do anything you put your mind to. But I also know that none of us can do any of this alone. Now, look, I’ve never won Deputy of the Year or anything, but if you need anything… I’m just a tin of hush puppies away.” ~ Deputy Hank talking to Sheriff Juliette in “Silo, S1, E5: The Janitor’s Boy”

[Context: The above is part of the opening scene of episode 5 of season 1 of “The Silo” (an Apple TV+ original series based on the popular book series by Hugh Howey). Juliette, the newly appointed sheriff, is talking with Hank, a friend from before her appointment.]

So, I’ll just say it out loud… Our world makes far too much of ability and capability. Yes, experience, training, and education are all vital elements of success. They provide value and help position one for effectiveness and efficiency. However, there is one critical concern that is often overlooked, especially in the realm of change, volunteerism, activism, making a difference, etc. That essential element, one that either reinforces the aforementioned attributes or renders them void, is the concern regarding availability. Unless we are available, our talents and past accomplishments mean little (if anything). Utility (usefulness) is ultimately founded on availability. Am I available? That’s the starting point.

To that end, one arena in which availability is particularly valuable is that of teamwork. The truth is that very few things in life can be accomplished in our own strength and wisdom. Especially not those gigantic issues and problems that plague us as individual countries and a collective planet. Most organizations that emphasize service understand that reality on a very practical level. NGOs, churches, local communities, civic organizations, etc. are all in desperate need of people who will make themselves available… available to help, available to be there when called, available to support, available to give, available to serve. Sure, at a high level, especially in critical “employment” roles, there will also be a need for ability and capability. But at the grassroots level, the place where the daily work takes place, most groups are just looking for people who are available.

All of that to say, Hank’s comment struck me today while I was rewatching season 1 of Silo (gearing up for season two right now). Hank reminded Juliette of a crucial truth. No one is an island; contrary to what Simon & Garfunkel led us to believe 😉 The problems facing this world require teamwork. The issues currently confronting us demand cooperation. But those efforts have to include me. I can’t afford the luxury of simply being a spectator. I have to be a participant. Hank made it simple. “If you need anything…” That’s it. Availability. I’m here to help. I’m here to serve. If I can play any role, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, count me in. That’s the mindset we all need. And that’s the personal mindset I’m seeking to cultivate and grow in this season of my life. I’ve never won Volunteer of the Year (and probably never will). My skill set and talents are really nothing compared to most other people out there. But I’m available. I just want to help. If you need anything… I’m here. And I don’t even require the “tin of hush puppies.”

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~ Matthew 20:28