I think this verse about sums up how I feel with regard to people, no matter what their background or circumstances:
1st Peter 4:10 – God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.
As a result, I’ve begun to make friends with people that I may not have had in my life and am realizing how special each of them is. I may be offering my time and some of my finances, but those I serve have also become a real blessing to me.
These are the causes that I volunteer with and are dear to my heart:
Dismas – a community for ex-offenders to realize how much God loves them. We meet monthly at a local church for games, a meal, and a time of singing and fellowship together.
I also go monthly to a Dismas meeting within Grand Valley Women’s Prison and have come to know and love each of those dear ladies. We all make mistakes, they are paying for theirs and regret their choices. One day they will be released and re-building their self-esteem and healing their brokenness starts here.
nightlight – Imagine how it would feel to have no family, no friends, no money, and no community? Sometimes not even a home. Nightlight exists to help solve this relational poverty. We meet three nights a week, play games, do puzzles or color, have coffee and snacks at no charge and gladly give the gift of friendship and conversation to all who walk through the door. I volunteer there once a week, serve coffee, and have the privilege of watching people blossom simply because someone cares.
Makers – Women Creating Together: I and some other special ladies get together at the nightlight location every Wednesday afternoon. Crafting and community are healing broken ladies and helping us realize how important we really are.
Volunteering has the power to take you out of yourself and your problems, to enrich your life, and to make you feel needed and useful. It’s one of the best things for mental health.
Do you volunteer? I’d love to hear your experiences. Please comment below.
Have a great day,
Carol
