During the holidays, most people become well aware of how much they have, how blessed they are, etc. This recognition sparks a desire to give back during the Christmas season and to bless others in many ways. Homeless ministries, soup kitchens, and shelters become flooded with volunteers willing to invest time and money into other's lives who are less fortunate.
This past Wednesday, I took up an opportunity to serve a local group of mentally disabled men by serving and eating a meal with them at my local church. This is an event I've been participating in for a few years now, and I was excited as I filled out Christmas cards for the men and packed gift bags for them. I felt good about what I was doing, as most people do when they help the needy.
When I walked into the fellowship hall to meet the gentlemen before dinner, I was overcome with fear and I wasn't sure why. I had served this event before, why was I afraid to step out and be social with these guys? Thoughts raced through my mind and I questioned what I would say to them. I was suddenly extremely uncomfortable and wanted to hide behind the drink table and pour sweet tea instead of sitting down with our guests and sharing conversation. Putting these thoughts into words sounds terribly shallow to me, but it was the truth. I was uncomfortable for silly reasons and was overthinking.
I don't want to make this story about my discomfort and emphasize my fear. Long story short, I practiced what I constantly preach and I stepped out. I sat down at a table with a friend and sparked up a simple conversation with two mentally handicapped men. By the end of the night, my fear was long gone and I was making new friends. I realized how silly I was for making such a big deal in my mind about the event. When the fun was over and the men returned to their homes, I, along with all of the other workers, was filled with warmth. I knew in those moments how much it meant to those men to simply talk to new people and be listened to. Amidst the laughs, stories, and barbecue, I knew we had made a difference in a group of people's lives that may sometimes get overlooked.
This holiday, I encourage you to think outside of the box and give uncomfortably. Most people resort to nursing homes or women's and children's shelters when looking for a place to volunteer because they view it as 'safe'. Along with these fantastic giving opportunities of shelters, nursing homes, etc., I hope you will think about the unthought of. As uncomfortable as that might sound, it could be something as simple as making a meal for the widow that lives next door to you.
"If you're comfortable, you're doing somethin' wrong." -Renea Cochran
Give back in a new, creative way. Sacrifice comfort and impact those who have been forgotten. It's rewarding, I'm telling ya.
