DO THE RIGHT THING by Lee Hoedl

"Do the right thing."

As it pertains to this reflection, "doing the right thing" refers to those acts, those practices and behaviors that not only support but also further advance the dignity of all living beings.

It's a phrase we've most likely heard so many times in our childhood. And it's a phrase we've most likely uttered on numerous occasions to our own children. It's a staple principle across all cultures and one that we learn at a very young age... and we will spend - if we a human being of substance - a good portion of our adult life evaluating our success in upholding that deeply held set of personal values, morals commandments, etc.

DO THE RIGHT THING.

However... as flawed and failed human sorjourners, we will most assuredly miss the opportunity several times in our life to step forward and do just that: the right thing. Speaking in generalities of our collective human frailties and flaws, I believe the overwhelming portion of our humankind grasp and can articulate what "the right thing" is in most situations. But here is where so many of us (and I speak collectively of our species) falter: we are able to articulate "knowing the right thing," but are sometimes remiss in taking it to the next level of "doing the right thing."

My friend, we all set out initially in Life and then continue on wanting to do the right thing. I believe it's ingrained in our very nature; it is an integral aspect of our genetic humanistic code. Again in the context of this reflection, I am not speaking about our predisposition to simply maintaining basic social order; I am speaking about engaging in those practices and behaviors that not only support but also further advance the dignity of all living things. Beyond that social and moral code of "do unto others as you have done unto you," there is that voice, that spirit, that calling within each of us that challenges us to examine our conscience and the Life surrounding us and pose the question, "In addition to respecting the Life around and within us, how can we enhance that same Life?"

When we find ourselves asking the question "I wonder why someone doesn't do something about...", it's time to do the right thing. When we pose the possibility that "You know what would make this better?", it's time to do the right thing.

DO IT RIGHT.

I asked my father once, "Dad, how will I know if the decision I make is the right one?" He boldly stated, "Lee, we don't always know if it's the right decision, but once you've made your decision, make it the right one." He was a man who was adamant about commitment. He would say, "If you're going to do it, do it right the first time" and "Once you've started something, you need to see it through to the end."

How many times have you found yourself frustrated because the persons around you don't seem to have the same investment you do about a particular project or goal? They are willing to invest their funds, but not their heart. They are willing to invest their support, but not their time.

I have always believed that if it's important - to you and to those involved - it deserves your heart and time. In general, we give lip service to so many things. Yes, we believe in the cause, the movement, the project... but what are we willing to put behind our words? If it's at all important, it truly deserves not just our head, but our heart... and time.

DO IT RIGHT NOW.

How long must the world wait for one more act of compassion when it has just experienced hundreds of acts of selfishness and hatred? How long must our community wait for one more act of justice when it has had to endure so many acts of indifference? How long must our family and friends wait for one more act of caring and concern?

If there is one thing I have learned and tried to seed in my life is that if it is important and needed, it is needed NOW. Withholding compassion, concern, investment, justice, honesty, and respect accomplishes absolutely nothing. And it is these gifts that only you can offer to Life with your own unique flair and flavor. If it's important and needed, it is needed NOW.

My friend, we only need to turn on the television or look around our own neighborhood to see that indifference is getting a choke-hold on Life. It's not that people don't know what is the right thing to do; it may very well be that they don't know how to go about placing their feet on the pathway. Our world, our nation, our city and our family continue to yearn for caring individuals to step forward - not because they know exactly what to do, but because they know what is needed: to do the right thing, to do it right and to do it right now. You, my friend, are just that person.

Step forward in your Life one more time - you know what is the right thing to do. Invest your heart and you will secure the hearts of others toward the cause and task at hand. And do it now.

POST NOTE:

Mark Twain said it best with regard to doing the right thing: "Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

When I set out once again to raise needed funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and, this time, the Dakota Medical Foundation, I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do. And as I sit in my hotel room on the eve before the 2013 Chicago Marathon looking back on the past 16 weeks of running almost 900 miles and fundraising, I am both gratified at the generosity of so many wonderful donors to these two agencies and astonished at what can be accomplished when we work together.

To all the donors of so many wonderful agencies this year, you have my gratitude. Your generosity may never fully be seen by your eyes, but you need to believe that your assistance has done the right thing; you have supported and advanced the dignity of your fellow human beings. You did it right and most importantly, you did it right now.

To all of my fellow charity runners across the nation this year, you have my deep appreciation and my astonishment. There is a faction in the greater running community that often times looks down on charity runners; they view charity runners as those runners who could only get into "the big race" because they raised funds for needed causes. To that faction, I would simply say that these runners are running the more important race: they are running to assist the human race. To train - and then promote and fundraise - for a marathon is tiring work - physically and emotionally... but it is selfless, it is the right thing to do, it is done right and it is done right now. And to my fellow runners who both qualify/gain lottery entrance and STILL charity fundraise, you are a shining example for all of us.

In closing of my Seven Insights, I would pray that all runners would have the opportunity to fundraise for a cause that is close to their home and their heart. It is that added element that makes the shine of the finisher's medal infinitely pale in comparision.

Again, to my fellow charity runners this year, rest knowing your service footprint is massive. You have enhanced and changed lives in ways we will never be able to fathom. You are a true hero. And from this time forward, may this forever be your mantra:

RACE ON AND RAISE ON!