Volunteering - A Passion

Why do people volunteer – really? I was in a discussion last week about why people, including myself, volunteer, and to ensure that it is for the right reasons.

So I did some soul searching on my personal volunteering experiences and I had to think back on when it actually started for me. It was back in the late 70’s when I worked for the Boise Chamber of Commerce. I was a secretary for the Chamber, and part of my job responsibilities was to organize several monthly meetings, and coordinate banquets, picnics, golf tournaments, etc. I worked with many volunteers, and without them it would have made my job extremely difficult. Volunteers are the most important resource community organizations have. The ability of people to work willingly together for the betterment of their community and themselves is a valuable resource.

It was during that time that I started to volunteer out of the workplace for organizations that worked toward goals and values that connected with mine. I moved around most of my life growing up and never felt like I really belonged anywhere. Over the course of many years, volunteering in the organizations I have been involved with has strengthened me as an individual, parent, family member, co-worker, and community member. It has strengthened the connection of what I love and need to do in my life. It filled an empty “void” in my life and gave me a sense of belonging – a sense of community, and I worked alongside many people with the same passion that became friends. It also gave me a chance to the share the gifts God has blessed me with. I didn’t realize then, but I certainly do now. My kids were able to be involved in many community events and fund raisers that they enjoyed, and they saw what it was like to volunteer and give back. Jessica remembers those as being some of the best times in her life.

During discipleship classes, it was stated to disciple where your passion is. One of mine just happens to be volunteering. God has blessed each of us with resources to use wisely for His Kingdom. Part of that investment in stewardship includes our time and talents. I believe that the Holy Spirit works differently in each of us. We are called, to take care of others, to share what we have, and to do this with purity of intention.

1 Peter 4:10
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.”