The Holy Spirit's Family Room

I vividly remember being a young mom and attending a fund-raiser for my children’s school. It was an auction, and it was lovely! There was a huge array of items to bid on, the tables were set with beautiful centerpieces, the gym was transformed with hanging banners hiding the basketball hoops, and people everywhere were greeting us with genuine welcome. I loved it! After a delicious dinner, we heard the “thank you” speech. It suddenly struck me that my wonderful evening was a result of many, many people who came forward on their own and volunteered to do their part to make the evening a success for all of us. That was my first glimmer of understanding that if I want to see good works continue, I need to be a part of making them happen. Every year after, I made sure to talk to the organizers to see what I could do. Did it take initiative? Sure. Was it extra work for me? Sure. What happened as a result of my choice? I became a part of something bigger than myself. I made new friends. I supported a cause I believed in. My evening at the next auction was even more delightful because I knew the back story and was a part of it. It was satisfying.

That experience has spilled over to so many other opportunities. I realize now that our society, our city, and our church, runs on volunteers. Everywhere we look there are people who are going out of their way, out of their comfort zone, for the common good. Consider scout leaders, teachers of religious education, cookie sale donors, drivers of carpools, workers at food lockers. Every day I am blessed by the actions of someone I may not even know.

If we want our world to be better, we CAN make a difference. We can listen for that small nudge that says, “I could do that!” We can use our own talents – writing, singing, leadership, hospitality – to make the world a better place. When was the last time I volunteered? Maybe today is a good day to start.