Serving others…

This past Saturday, 9/11, I posted a bit about the National Day of Service and Remembrance on my “Well-Groomed Hippie” blog.

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of a seven-year effort started by 9/11 family members and support groups to establish the service day as a way to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11 and to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that followed the attacks. September 11 was officially recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, passed with strong bipartisan support and signed into law by President Obama in April.

I mentioned a couple of things my husband I are involved in as volunteers and have been thinking about volunteerism quite a bit the past few days.  I hesitate to talk about this subject too much as I don’t want accolades but on the other hand, I know that I am encouraged by the stories of others.  Hearing about the volunteer work of other people makes me even more committed to the projects I’m involved in and willing to consider additional ones.

So that’s the spirit in which I am writing this post today.  If you are already volunteering your services in some way, I want to give you a virtual pat-on-the-back and remind you that your efforts are important.  And if, for whatever reason, you aren’t currently serving in a volunteer capacity I hope I might encourage you to look for even a small way in which you can serve others.  I totally understand that some are in a much busier stage of life than I am and that they honestly do not have the time for major volunteer work.  However, I’m convinced that even the busiest person can make time once in awhile and that it will enrich your life. 

Last night I helped serve a meal to the clients at a local non-profit organization called Compassion Outreach Center.  Twice a month, local physicians and other health professionals provide limited acute care or preventative care, while other volunteers provide a meal.  It was truly a privilege to be able to serve a hot meal to the people who had come for medical care, as well as the physicians and other health care volunteers.  Without exception, every person we served was polite and appreciative.  I know there is a belief among some that many/most people in need are just lazy bums expecting a hand-out but that is not what I witnessed.  I don’t know these people’s stories – yet – but I do know that they are my neighbors, according to Luke 10:25-37.  I just sent an email a bit ago offering to help out regularly, rather than just when it is our church’s turn to provide the meal and I’m looking forward to being a part of this fine organization.

You may have noticed that I added a Facebook “like box” for the Happyland Volunteer Fire Department on the left sidebar.  This is the department to which my husband belongs.  He has been a volunteer firefighter for several years now and is also a medical first responder.  He has spent countless hours training and responding to calls in our area.  He puts out fires, responds to medical emergencies and vehicle accidents, as well as using his skills as a mechanic in order to keep their equipment operational.  I’m so very proud of him and the work he does.  Despite being a very busy regional manager in charge of several locations throughout the mid-west, he still makes time to serve in this very important capacity. 

We both try to be of service in whatever way we can, whether it be through our church or in our community.  We are both ordained elders in our church and have served on the Session (Presbyterian version of a church board).  We’ve served on committees – I’ve been on the Worship Committee for years now.  We taught Sunday school when our kids were young and are currently helping to teach the junior and senior high Sunday School class.  I sing in the choir and David often helps fix things around the church.  We started a young adults group a couple of years ago.  David serves on a couple of community groups and I’m currently the president of the United Campus Ministry which is an ecumenical campus ministry serving the students and faculty at the local university.  I regularly serve Meals on Wheels, and David does occasionally as well.  I tried to start an auxiliary for the fire department a few years ago but didn’t get much participation.  I’m hoping that by starting the Facebook page I’ll be able to generate some interest and get that off the ground in the next few months. 

Again, I don’t share any of this in order to toot my own horn but simply to share a few ways in which volunteerism can be a part of one’s life.  Since my kids are grown and I don’t work outside the home right now, I have the extra time.  I’m grateful for this opportunity because not only does it make me feel good, but I’ve learned so much about other people and their needs.  I know it’s made me a more compassionate person  and I hope my efforts have made a difference in someone’s life. 

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