This unique sculpture contains over 150 diametrically opposed phrases with “YOU ARE HERE” imposed on some of them in red, pointing to a bench.  As you zoom in, you can see some of the phrases contained therein:

 

I really enjoyed the meaning of this piece of art the more I contemplated it.  As many know, Utah is considered the “Crossroads of the West,” and was made a pioneer settlement after Brigham Young famously declared “This is the place.” Using polar opposite phrases within each individual sign allows emphasis to be made to each of these completely different ideas. In a way, we are all somewhere in life in between two extremes of one sort or another. And in perceived contradictions, we can all achieve unity when we come together. By recognizing that we are at some sort of crossroads of our own, we can all come together to realize that this is the place for us because we are exactly where we need to be.

 

Recently, the world has been in turmoil and oppositions exist because there are a lot of opposites.  Herein lies the magic and beauty of Rotary.  No matter who we are or where we are from, we come together as individuals to make a Club.  And each of our Clubs can make a difference for good in ourselves, in our communities, and in the world.  Where else can people with diametrically opposed religious beliefs, philosophies, political leanings, financial differences, age gaps, and perceptions come together and change the world for good?  That is the power of Rotary!  And we, our communities, and our world all need Rotary now more than ever.

 

As I begin this privilege of being your District Governor for this brand new Rotary year, I am looking forward to coming together (whoever, whatever, whenever, and wherever we are) and then work together to Grow Rotary.  We are here together, at these crossroads, and there is no other place I would rather be.  Let’s Grow Rotary!