Upon wakening the day is fresh with clean smells. Clean
thoughts. Pure intentions. Purposeful beginnings? A new day to accomplish
something?
We have work to do…healing, learning, tending, whatever it
is that draws our attention. Most of us do so for family income and career
duties. Still there are opportunities begging our attention to support a cause,
a favorite charity. Perhaps it is the arts, or church, or even school.
Non-profit organizations are everywhere and they call for our loyalty and
financial support. And our donated time and talents as well!
It is interesting how extra curricular activities loom large
in our lives, often taking them over. I
remember one tax season noting my income was almost entirely earned from
non-profits I had once donated my time to. Board member of a credit union, and
many years later the president/CEO of one. Volunteer for our credit union trade
association and many years later a paid consultant for the same association
serving its members. Once a board member of my home owners association I became
the on-site manager of that same association after spending nearly four years
as a part-time temporary HOA manager at another HOA. As a volunteer of both the
chamber of commerce and the city, I earned income as a consultant for the
former and finally an elected official of the latter, carrying with it a modest
monthly stipend.
The income was not sought. The volunteer work was gladly
donated. I learned much from that work. It gave me a career in many different
respects. And in the meanwhile I knew my life was making a difference for
others. Originally that was reward enough! Who would have thought it would have
provided full time employment?
Sometimes our ‘off times’ come to a greater end. Think of
those who experience a wrenching personal tragedy; they heal; they reach out to
others for help; and kind words and comfort is provided. Often times sufferers
begin lending time and talents to others in similar circumstances. Cancer
survivors do this. So do family members of cancer patients who did not survive.
Suicide prevention and after care for family members who have suffered such
awful tragedy often is a newfound interest of past sufferers.
Life delivers many surprises if we let it. If we are open to
new experiences and feelings we are able to make a difference in the lives of
others who need help. I stumbled across a quote from a Leon Brown the other
day. Although he meant it personally for one person, once can see how it might
serve a broader audience:
“Healing is not an overnight
process; it is a daily cleansing of pain; it is a daily healing of your life.”
Because healing takes many forms to address many different
hurts, it takes time and process to get over the worst of its needs. That time
itself calls for continuation of the process for both self and others. I can
see how nurses are moved to commit themselves to a life long journey of caring
for others. So too I can understand the ‘call’ of persons in ministry – in
religious institutions.
I don’t know why this topic came to mind today. It just did.
For what it’s worth I’m sharing it with you. Ponder well.
May 3, 2013
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