Tag: Inspiration

Poetry and prose that lifts your spirit.

5 Reasons you are important

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Volunteers Wanted

When I go to meetings, I often see the same faces. These are dedicated folks who believe in making a difference, and who believe there is a difference to be made. They Will Rogerssometimes suffer criticism instead of praise for their efforts, but this does not deter them. They show up, give their opinions, lend their support, stand up for the promise of a better tomorrow, and forge ahead. They volunteer for business groups, animal welfare activities, social justice causes, civic improvement organizations, and anything else you can think of that will make your life and mine a little better. They don’t get paid, and most go unrecognized. These engines for change are the lifeblood of a vibrant community. If you aren’t currently working for the betterment of the community as a volunteer, here are a five reasons you might want to come to the next meeting of interest to you, and sit down at the table.

Ideas

Ideas are the seeds of change. Without ideas, there would be no iPad, iPhone, or iMac. There would be no interactive notebook that responds to a touch. There would be no music, no art, no books, no invention of any kind. It all begins with an idea. If you think your ideas aren’t important, think again. You can and will make a difference, but only if you are at the table.

Perspective

I’ve been at the table many times, perhaps too many times, some might say. My perspective comes from my frame of reference. I still believe my perspective has value, but so does yours. When decisions are being made your thoughts count. If you aren’t present, those thoughts won’t be heard, not because your perspective is being ignored, but because you aren’t there to represent it.

Kick the lid off the box

It is an unfortunate fact of organizations that sometimes leaders become mired in procedure and process and forget their primary purpose, whatever that may be. The board and membership ages. Individual members become complacent or overburdened. In either case the lid must be kicked off the box so new energy, new leaders, new members can come pouring in. Leadership development is as critical as new ideas. Your presence and participation as a new volunteer can make that happen. You can learn from and be mentored by seasoned volunteers.

Your Experience

Nobody brings to the table what you bring. Your experience at every level will help inform and define the organization you become involved in. You will get out of it exactly what you put into it. Your experience will make the organization better and stronger for your participation.

Self-development

Getting acquainted with people you don’t ordinarily encounter is an excellent way to expand your horizons. Their energy, their ideas, their dedication will energize you, inspire you, and broaden your creativity. Studies have shown that people who are more involved and engaged in life are happier. Volunteering is good for you. So, come to the table. Be a part of making your community great. Just as seeds need water and sun to grow, organizations need your fresh ideas, perspective, and experience. They need you to kick the lid off the box and pour in your creativity and energy. And isn’t it encouraging to know you will benefit from the experience?

Back in the box

Posted in Books1 Comment

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

In his book, “When the Game is Over, it All Goes Back in the Box,” John Ortberg uses game playing as a When the Game is Overmetaphor for what we value in life. Too often, we play the game and forget that in the end, everything goes back in the box.

What are you out to win? What value do you put on winning? What do you crave that is here today and gone tomorrow? What are the treasures you lay up in heaven?

In this six-session spiritual study on “living life in the light of eternity,” the section on, “No One Else Can Take Your Turn,” gave me a moment of clarity I must revisit from time to time. With the very best of intentions, I seek outcomes for others based on what I want, not want they want or even what they need.

Instead of trying to fix what (or who) I think is broken, my job and joy is to live my best life now. Instead of wishing I was as educated, talented, or well-respected as my friend, or brother, or cousin, I must make the most of God’s generous gifts to me. Every second counts, not because it could be my last, but because God’s love for me and his plan for me, are gifts I can open anew every day. No one can take my turn in life, nor can I take someone else’s.

I am reminded of a story I heard about a young man – we’ll call him Ed – who paid a proxy to attend college in his name. The proxy did all the studying, took all the tests, and did the “walk” to receive a diploma in Ed’s name. Ed thought he was clever to have someone do all the work. Ed was even able to get a job interview with a prestigious company based on his proxy’s performance and grades. The problem came when Ed had to speak for himself and prove his worth. In the end, his diploma had no value. He hadn’t lived the life of a student nor had he learned what he needed to know. He put his value on that piece of paper, not in an educational experience designed to sustain him.

I don’t get, nor do I want, a proxy to “do” life for me. I am well equipped by the Master Planner to live my best life now. Sometimes I forget that and try to worry my way to resolving the problems of loved ones or friends. When I’m doing that, guess whose life I’m missing out on?

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