Matt 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
I was encouraged to write this blog about volunteering with non-profits because a friend was impressed. I was a bit hesitant because I was always taught that it should be done discreetly. But then I thought maybe I can encourage others to reach out, and those who know me will know the spirit in which it is written. (And I will make a friend happy by writing this.~ Smiles)
There are just some things I have always done because I learned by observation. You grow up with certain things and it just becomes second nature. I observed my family stepping in to help many times such as feeding hungry people and taking in a family after a fire.
Even though my dad and both of my grandpas were hard workers, and my mom and grandma would take on small part time jobs as they could- we were still on the poor side, financially-speaking. So, what was done for other people had to be done in works rather than cash. I think that was a valuable lesson, and in the end I grew up very rich in what counts.
Christian-related activities have also been a part of my life from early on. Teaching Sunday school or volunteering in a local coffeehouse, it all seemed a normal part of life. For many years my other half was someone who shared the same desire I had, and that was to help others. His dream was to have a mobile ministry such as an old bus to take on the road to feed and clothe people. Mine was just to reach people who had a need where ever the need was, so those dreams merged well.
While we did have some opportunities on the road (without the bus I might add), the biggest opportunities found us stationary in the hospitality industry and those needing help were the travelers. Some things we did on our own, others were part of non-profit organized outreaches.
Non-profits are by definition groups who use funds to achieve goals rather than distribute profits or dividends. Most recently, I have been working with some non-profit groups. One is the local food bank, and the other Relay for Life.
I am privileged to volunteer in one of the top-notch food banks of any local community. It is appropriately called Christ's Cupboard, began several years ago by a group of pastors and operated out of a church basement, then a donated room at the hospital, and now two store fronts. With my life experiences, I thought I knew what it was all about. Well, this experience has given me a much more well-rounded view of the ministry of hospitality and giving, especially on the administrative-side. But of course, the real pay-off is when one sees the worry leave a person's face knowing there is food to put on the table.
My other volunteer time is spent with Relay for Life, which is very personal to me because cancer has taken three immediate family members and affected a fourth. Add to that a number of other family members and friends, and my own close calls, and you will understand why it is a personal fight!
My part is chairing the local committee honoring survivors and caregivers. I know firsthand the toll it takes both on the person diagnosed and the family, those caregivers. As a caregiver, I can tell you there is no greater honor than to show practical love, even when the heart-wrenching outcome is being there when the fight is over.
This year we had a survivor and caregiver dinner for the first time. A professional photographer gave of his time to take portraits, a local restaurant (owned by a cancer survivor who has also lost a son to the disease) provided a wonderful meal, and others donated everything from dessert to decorations. A pianist and violinist volunteered their time to provide live dinner music. A cancer survivor who is a local pastor spoke, and a group of teens served the dinner. Oh, yes, I too spoke briefly. What a wonderful committee of people helped pull this off.
Being involved can also tug on the heart. One of our survivors found out the dreaded disease has returned with a vengeance. My heart goes out to his family, and my prayers join theirs. What a humbling experience to know that we were able to touch his life with a special memory during this difficult time.
I admit my heart is tender due to not so distant losses. But one heals by reaching out to help others. Plus, these activities have also brought new friends and new opportunities. Just this past week, I did two radio interviews promoting our Relay- one recorded and one live. Who would have guessed that a year ago?
As I have written before, our lives are all like tapestries- experiences and people can change the color and design. I think when we use our gifts and talents for others without expecting anything in return it makes that tapestry even more beautiful. It enriches us in many ways, including the creativity that we need as artists.
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