Volunteering

Volunteering.  When I think of this I think, "Ok what can I do" but I know from volunteering with different organizations when someone is asked to volunteer, "I'm too busy" are the words that usually follow.  I know this post will stir up some feelings of grrrrr in some, but it's important that I share my thoughts concerning this. 

First we are ALL busy.  Busy is not an excuse.  We all have to take some responsibility in volunteering somewhere.  I'm a mom of 4 kids so right there it qualifies me as busy but in addition I'm a girl scout leader of 2 troops, I'm the secretary for both the local girl scout service unit and volunteer support team, I work in the kindergarten class once a week, I work in the after school program at the elementary school once a week, I help out with the football team as far as serving boys food or whatever they need, I'm a member of 3 PTA's and yesterday I signed up for a mentor program with my church.  I'm not saying all of that because I need some type of applause or recognition, in fact that would make me uncomfortable, I'm saying it because there are all different kinds of ways we can help.  We don't always have to be physically present or in the limelight to make a difference.  There are lots of "behind the scenes" stuff that needs to be taken care of.  My husband for example helps with painting the football field for the high school.  Now do you think when those folks are at the game they're thinking, "Wow those are some great looking lines and numbers."  NO!!  But sure 'nuf if those lines and numbers weren't there everyone would notice.  That's an example of a behind but yet oh so important scene action. 

Now just because I am involved in so many organizations, I don't expect everyone else to be at the level I'm at.  In fact I know there are others who do so much more than I do and I appreciate their level of commitment.  What I do expect and know is that we can all do something.  I encourage you to look deep inside yourself and keeping your life in balance explore where you can help out.  Being a president of something to being a prayer partner and everything in between is volunteering.  I encourage you to just do something.  You'll be surprised that most times, what started out as you giving to something, that something starts giving back to you.  You may never know or see the fruits of your volunteer labor but I guarantee it's making a difference in something and someone. 

Happy Volunteering!!