The spirit of this place

(Pictured above: The empty baptismal site at Yardenit before it's filled with people) 

My wife and I recently visited Israel on vacation. Overall we found it interesting and surprising. As we were traveling from the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem, we stopped along the Jordan River at Yardenit, a popular baptismal site for pilgrim groups visiting Israel. We happened to arrive early and had the place to ourselves. The entrance led us through souvenir shops with knickknacks such as bottled Jordan River water. You could also rent a baptismal gown or choose from the many framing and photo options should you choose to be baptized there. We thought we had entered “Baptisms ‘R’ Us” and prepared to leave.

As we did a cursory walk around the place, we noticed various pilgrim groups had arrived and were gathering at the baptismal locations along the river. We were drawn to the singing as they began to perform baptisms. Pausing to watch, we were struck by the moment – people from different parts of the world acting out their faith surrounded by all the voices lifted in song. We realized that the “magic” of the moment was not where we were, but who we were with: it was the pilgrims’ acts that made the place special, not the place itself.

It reminded me of this place we call Walgreens. If you walk through a store before it opens, stroll down one of the giant aisles at a DC on a Sunday, or sit in one of the empty cubicles at our corporate offices after hours, they are empty and dead places. They only come to life when we show up.

We have a great history of success. Walgreens has provided jobs and careers for hundreds of thousands of people and served millions of customers over the years. However, it’s what we do each day that determines what Walgreens is or what it’s not.

If it’s where our customers count on us or where we make a difference in our communities, it’s because of what we do today and going forward. If this place is known for integrity and trust, it’s not because of slogans or programs – but it’s because we act with integrity and trust. If this is a great (or a bad) place to work, it’s because we make it that way. Whatever we are is the sum of each of our individual efforts each day – good or bad – or whether working alone or as part of a team.

Never doubt, you ARE the Walgreen Co.