Perplexing as it may seem to each of us, our immediate world is changing dramatically due, in part, to budget cuts. However, that may actually be a blessing in disguise.
Of course, many of you won't agree with this assessment, and I can understand your reasoning. However, American neighborhoods and whole communities were built and supported by the involvement of individual citizens who considered their interest and ultimate involvement a proper and responsible investment in their future and that of family and friends. It sounds reasonable enough.
We've lost a great deal of that enthusiasm today simply because government continues to coddle us, sometimes way beyond reason and now, as budget crunches seem the norm, despair is in the air and the political hacks are doing their best to protect their own turf, regardless of the consequences. Our comments today suggest a golden opportunity to really take a bite out of the doom and gloom and share in a very rewarding opportunity . . . volunteerism. Yep, volunteerism is what makes the grass grow green.
For some time now, this writer has been an active volunteer at a local hospital. It has been a rewarding experience filled with emotional highs and lows coupled with tears and cheers. Most importantly, this assignment has given me a serious look at life beyond the limited confines of my routine lifestyle. It is absolutely wonderful to leave that hospital weekly knowing I made a difference, shared a memory or two with a total stranger and helped the professionals by taking some of the pressure off of them.
Being a hospital volunteer is a great experience and having been a patient as well as a volunteer, I understand the mission well. But there is so much more on the horizon.
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This past week, community volunteers assisted the United Way in a variety of assignments. This sort of thing is going on all the time in this wonderful community, and most of the contributions are made by unsung heroes with only one thought in mind, "how can we help?"
There is so much to do and the benefits of serving your neighbors is so important, it is worthy of your inquiry and participation. But it is going to take more than a newspaper column or two to get the ball rolling. It is going to take a personal effort on your part. That's why the balance of this column is so important.
Volunteering is really fun. It gives us the opportunity to share our varied talents with others. It gives us the chance to meet new friends and see first hand the challenges that are part of the normal community setting. It gives us an opportunity to express ourselves in a way that is not a norm in our lifestyle.
And most importantly, it gives us a chance to really show our true colors as a caring citizen who wants to help and contribute. Is it all worth it? You bet your boots, and people you have never met before will be the better off for your honest efforts.
So, raise your hand high and say, "I'd love to pitch in!"
Check with your church, the United Way, the Salvation Army, or your community center for starters. It will really be a refreshing experience.
