“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
I know I've talked about it a few other times on Chara, but have you ever thought about how much of your life you've wasted sitting in front of a television or computer screen? I wonder how different our world would be if we would put down our laptops, tablets and smartphones and truly immerse ourselves into the world around us.
Not only could our relationships improve, but our health and well being too. What if we all decided to invest just a little of the time we usually spend on the couch into our families, friends and communities? How would our lives and communities change if we donated just one Saturday a month, or one evening a month to serve others?
Finding a place to serve can be daunting. Finding a cause can be a bit overwhelming too.
Do something you enjoy. Do something you are good at. Do something you are passionate about. Be creative. Volunteering can be fun, and it can also be so rewarding. You end up realizing the blessings you receive through the people you are serving.
I'm not saying to volunteer to make yourself feel better. That's not the right motive behind serving others. Do it because you can. Because you are blessed and you want to bless others. Because you want to spread joy. Because you have a talent or gift that can positively help others.
Stop making excuses.
You do have the time, and if you don't it's time to evaluate your priorities.
Know that you matter and that you can make a difference--even in the life of one person. And I promise you that if you decide to give your time, your heart, and your talents to those who are in need you will find it a rewarding experience.
Here are a few ideas from some caring people in my life:
My mom loves kids. She could rock a baby all day long. She volunteers one evening a week at a local Children's Hospital. I know she brings joy to the families she comes into contact with each visit, but the joy they bring her is abundant as well.
I have a dear friend that loves people and animals, so she and her beautiful Golden Retriever visit Hospice patients. I can only imagine the faces of the patients as my friend and her companion stroll in through the doors. But you know what? I'm positive that her life has been forever changed by the souls she's come to love.
One of my friends realized the impact he could have in a young boy's life by becoming a Big Brother. I know that his Little Brother's life was positively changed because of the care and compassion of my friend. And although my friend thought he was passing along valuable lessons to his Little Brother, he ended up learning just as much!
Are you a person who'd rather be behind the scenes? There are numerous "jobs" that non profits have just for you. Organizing Inventory, Accounting, Record keeping, Event Planning, Cleaning, and Serving on Committees are just a few of the vital roles charities need filled.
Service can be something for all ages! Take your kids, grandkids or nieces and nephews. Create memories together. Show them the importance of giving, loving and being a blessing to others.
Serving others does not have to be a grand gesture. It could be buying a lunch for a homeless man on the street, knitting blankets for a pet shelter, data entry for a local non profit, or an encouraging comment to a struggling young mother at the grocery store. The possibilities are endless if you just look around!
Imagine the impact we could have on this world if we all just gave a little bit of our time to love others!
For ideas where to serve in your community please visit VolunteerMatch or Meet Up.
Go be a blessing to someone today!
JAE
“To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart
and a free mind.” ~ Pearl S. Buck
