Volunteering: A New Meaning to Life
Life has so many twists and turns and often we get caught in a web of superfluous perspectives. It is my belief than when you are at your lowest ebb, volunteering in whatever way you can gives one a better, healthier perspective on issues of true depth. Several years ago Rich and I went on a Mission trip with a group of folks to the Dominican Republic. We worked in various capacities, but working with the children gave us an ultimate joy. These children had so little in the way of material goods, but they gave to us with smiles, hugs, warmth and help with our pitiful Spanish. We had gone there to help them, but as often happens with volunteering, we got back so much more than we gave.
With the holidays approaching, many Americans are struggling economically. Please consider giving of your time in some way. Though we had traveled to the Dominican Republic, we believe there are real mission fields at home as well. They may be within your neighborhood community or your own family. It could be one of the most fulfilling things you will ever do.
—cher
THE GUYS on 04 Nov 2009 at 11:27 am #
Volunteering can be so gratifying! And yes, you’re right, we don’t need to travel far to help people.
Thanks for reminding all of us that some people struggle all the time, not just in a bad economy.
WillOaks Studio on 04 Nov 2009 at 6:06 pm #
This is a wonderfully timely topic and I’m so glad you brought it up! My family plans got screwed up so I plan to be serving a thanksgiving dinner to less fortunate souls in our area. It’s so true, we need to help each other through these difficult times–although I must admit, your trip and adventures in D.R. sound very exciting, too!
admin on 04 Nov 2009 at 6:46 pm #
THE GUYS,
You’re right; we don’t need to do this just in a bad economy. “A radical priest come to get me released” (thanks Paul Simon) taught me this once after we were both thrown out of a school board meeting. I started working in his homeless shelter and my life took on a whole new purpose.
admin on 04 Nov 2009 at 6:49 pm #
WillOaks Studio,
I so admire what you will be doing this Thanksgiving. When my nieces were young teens, my brother would take them to serve dinner for the homeless before they opened their Christmas gifts. I thought it was a wonderful lesson in giving.
PJ on 04 Nov 2009 at 7:39 pm #
yes, that is a wonderful idea, for any time of the year. there is a womens shelter here, maybe i can volunteer my time there. i will have to call the woman who runs it. thanks for bringing this up. have a great day…hugz!
admin on 04 Nov 2009 at 7:59 pm #
PJ,
What a wonderful idea. Hugz back to you, my friend.
DorothyL on 05 Nov 2009 at 8:10 pm #
Wow Cher….that is totally commendable and I say that because very few people will volunteer in their own communities let alone travel to another country.
I have a couple of friends that are missionaries in Africa. the stories they share are horrendous as to what the quality of life is like over there.
It takes a special heart to be able to put their own life aside and reach out to people that are by far more in need than we are.
Once again I am very honored to be your friend
Huggz ~D~
admin on 05 Nov 2009 at 8:50 pm #
D,
I wonder if you realize that what you do each and every day is a form of volunteer work? You help so many with your perceptive and thoughtful insights. In reality, you may never know how many lives you’ve touched, but be assured you have. Mission fields are everywhere. I truly believe that.
I simply adore you!