More Blessed to Give

They say it's more blessed to give than to receive and if you've never had the opportunity of volunteering, let me just share how amazing an experience it can be. You think that you are going into something trying to make a difference in someone's life by giving your time, but you realize very quickly that in making that sacrifice you are receiving so much more yourself than you could ever imagine. 

When we give our ourselves it takes us out of ourselves and let's us focus our energy on other people. Our problems seem so small when we see what others have to go through. And even if you are going through more than others, it at least makes the burden lighter by alleviating someone else's pain for a day. Volunteering doesn't take away your suffering or someone else's suffering but it reminds us that "life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful."

Some great volunteer ideas are perhaps at your church, nursing homes, crisis pregnancy centers, soup kitchens, schools...the opportunities are limitless if you are really looking. On a personal note, I've really enjoyed volunteering at a horse farm that teaches children. I love both horses and kids so it's the perfect combo for me, and you see clearly that what truly matters in life is serving God and serving our neighbor.

You may say that there just isn't time to volunteer if you're working full time and taking care of a family, but maybe if it's only just once a month on a Saturday that you give a couple hours to something, it would be possible. Believe me it makes all the difference to them and to you.