Walking in the Valley A weekly column for those who live and walk in Silicon Valley by Barbara Dahlgren

President Bush's opening statement in his State of the Union message Tuesday night gave a fairly good overview of the situation.

"As we gather tonight, our Nation is at war, our economy is in recession, and the civilized world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet the state of our Union has never been stronger."

But something he said later on that could be easily overlooked caught my attention.

"For too long our culture has said, ' If it feels good, do it.' Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed: 'Let's roll.' In the sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have glimpsed what a new culture of responsibility could look like. We want to be a Nation that serves goals larger than self. We have been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass."

I think he summed up our society pretty well. We definitely are a "if it feels good, do it" society. As a nation we give to other nations but overall most of us, as individuals are interested only in "numbero uno!" We buy now, pay later; play now, pay later; and overall think the world revolves around us. President Bush goes on to state:

"My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years... four thousand hours over the rest of your lifetime... to the service of your neighbors and your Nation…"

Wow! That's a pretty big commitment. How many of us will heed that call? If you do the result will be three fold: others will feel better, our country will be better, and you will benefit.

"How will I benefit by serving others?" you might say. Well, studies by Cornell University found that volunteering increases a person's energy, self-esteem, and positive outlook on life. Other studies show that giving increases the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, which aid in the dilation of blood vessels, which relaxes the heart. Endorphins also act as a natural source of painkiller and tranquilizer for the body. A Michigan study showed that men who regularly did volunteer work had death rates much lower that those who didn't. And if the service had direct contact with other people the immune system was given a boost. Harvard studies agree. In fact giving is such a powerful immune booster that a person can benefit by just watching someone in the act of giving.

I know what you're thinking. "Why don't I just rent a few Mother Teresa tapes and boost my immune system that way?" We are always looking for the easy way out. But the fact is you need to do it yourself. Even if you don't take the plunge and volunteer, a few random acts of kindness would make the world a better place to live in. God did us a big favor by telling us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) Could it be that the one who does the good deed benefits even more than the recipient?

President Bush also states:

"This time of adversity offers a unique moment of opportunity... a moment we must seize to change our culture. Through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness, I know: We can overcome evil with greater good"

Yes, we can overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), but only if we are willing to do those "good" acts of service, decency, and kindness. Are you willing?

©February 2002

Be sure to visit this page every week to read the next edition of Walking in the Valley. You can write to the author at bydahlgren@aol.com.