volunteering

[Cazymom]

Look at the world today and the times we are living in. You can volunteer in just about any area from child care to nursing homes to tutoring the young or the old. You can be a mentor; you can rescue or adopt animals. You can volunteer in church, school, homes, camps or any sports place. There are opportunities just about anywhere you can think of. Just look in your heart, see where your passion is and you can find a way to volunteer.

There was a time when my kids and I went to a senior citizen's home and helped go through stuff and organize the house. I have to tell you - it was so much fun! We laughed, made jokes and the time just flew by. We have talked about doing it again. Volunteering does not have to be a huge commitment - it's up to you how much time you want to spend. You can volunteer once a month, once a week, once a day or once a year. Maybe you can bake some cookies for a school fundraiser. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. You will get back what you put into it.

At first, volunteering can be intimidating, but once you find your passion, you'll love it. Maybe you can give lessons on something like cooking, golf, violin, or piano. How about reading to a child or to that grandma or grandpa who does not have any visitors but you. Maybe you like to be more physical like coaching a sport. Perhaps you are a good listener - be a mentor. The sky is the limit; just look at your life and what you've been through. If you've been blessed enough to be married for 40 or 50 years, share the joy. If something negative has happened to you, like an accident, a death or abuse, let someone know they're not the only one. There is someone in this world going through something similar to that, and you can be a light on that difficulty or hardship. You never know.

I really encourage you to think out of the box. Once you start, you will ask why you waited so long. Just remember that you will reap what you sow. Let the blessing begin.

At the bottom I put a few links for places that are always looking for volunteers, but please do not limit yourself to just these. I am just one person, a child of God, a wife, a mother, a child care giver, a mentor and business owner. When I started volunteering, I did not know what God had in store for my family. All I can say is WOW! We have all been blessed. It is a joy to see all the blessings. I can say I'm hooked on volunteering.

1. Cradles of Grace

2. Streetlight Ministries

3. Any school

4. Neland Church

5. Resurrection Life Church

6. Mel Trotter Ministries

7. Guiding Light

8. Any soup kitchen

9. Volunteers in Service