Found this email I sent out two years ago at this time. What we do still matters.

Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage. – The Hobbit

One of the overarching themes in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series is that a small person, pure in heart, can make a difference – maybe even THE difference in how things turn out.

The little things matter.

How we treat each other on a team conference call matters.

How we treat a worried client matters.

How we work with vendors struggling to keep up matters.

We are being asked to hold the line against the evils of the world. To hold at bay the negativity, fear, hopelessness and despair. To keep ourselves and our teammates from falling prey to the temptation to give up or give in.

I’m sure this all sounds a bit grandiose for a little IT company and truck shop in Bloomington/Normal – and maybe it is (I don’t think so), but I don’t believe that for a second. What we do and how we do it matters. Now more than ever. How we get through this – together – matters. It’s important. And so is the work you are doing every day.

We have the opportunity to serve our clients and each other – with love and hope and faith and optimism in the face of difficulty.

Let’s embrace the opportunity and do our best.

Make it a great day.

Jake