Not long ago I was contacted by someone who wanted to volunteer at our Rescue Mission. He had a particular skill that he was offering to our clients. Through a series of connections unconnected to the Rescue Mission, the newspaper was called to see if they were interested in doing a story on this volunteer. A time was scheduled, and the volunteer came prepared to work. But then something happened. The newspaper reporter didn’t show up. So, instead of going about this service, he just packed up and went home. Shortly after, the reporter arrived but he was already gone.
When I heard this story from a member of our team, I had mixed emotions. First I was incensed that someone would volunteer just to get a story in the newspaper. I must admit that there was also a feeling of satisfaction that the reporter was a little late and it hadn’t worked out.
In everything, it’s good to check our motives, that which is driving us to do what we do. There is no better reason to volunteer than the simplicity of service. Service for it’s own sake. It’s likely that no one will ever know all that you do for others, but it’s still worth it.
Service makes us all better. It gets us focused on the needs of others, rather than our own issues. It helps us appreciate all the blessings we have, and all that we can give to others.
Volunteer to serve.
David Curry
