I have been thinking a lot about this challenge Jesus gave us. This is either really true or it is one crazy idea that makes no sense. When I wake up in the morning my first thought usually is not "how can I help other people?” Mostly I am thinking about me. How I feel and what I am going to do today. Sometimes I even think about my wife Kathleen and her day. We are bombarded with feelings about ourselves and how things affect us!
This came to mind today when about 50 Kings Preschool kids visited my office to give me valentine’s cards! (Don't forget to get yours, its Sunday you know). I received all kinds of handmade cards and even a tootsie roll pop. Does it get better than that? The staff and volunteers that spend the day with other people’s precious young children need to be givers of themselves, their love, their attention, and their emotions and have a tremendous responsibility to build positive values into these beautiful children.
I am talking to our World Concern staff about a recent tragedy occurring in Sri Lanka. Over 100 people a day are arriving at World Concern program facilities in need of medical care and basic necessities like food and water. We don't have money in our budget for this but we need to help. Our dedicated staff in these countries is mostly nationals who have needs themselves but have somehow discovered the truth of giving that motivates them to go over and above what is expected in very trying circumstances.
It costs a lot of money, time and effort to educate the students we serve at Seattle Urban Academy. Volunteers give hours tutoring and serving educational and other needs of these great kids. We have to really care to make a difference and people who serve her really care!
Yesterday I spent a planning day with staff discussing the future plans for Christian Veterinary Missions. Full time vets who have had successful practices in the United States have given up financial security and the material comforts we enjoy in the U.S. to live and serve in developing countries.
We make a huge difference in the lives of seniors at our Senior Living facilities. It is not the facilities that make the difference it is the people who love and care for those in the assisted living facilities and nursing and rehabilitation center. One of our nurses aids walked four miles in the snow to not miss their shift so then to attend to those in need.
There's more. Camp staff and many volunteers sleep in cabins all week with kids at camp. Have you tried that lately? They are givers.
Our team at Broadcasting sends a message of hope over the airwaves 24/7. The reason our radio stations make a difference is because they are staffed by deeply dedicated Christians who really care about the listeners and go the extra mile to demonstrate that care.
CRISTA is a vital caring community. This simply would not work if the people here did not just give lip service to the fact that it is more blessed to give than to receive, they actually do it. And it costs them something every day. Somewhere in their heart and soul they have discovered this amazing truth that we become better people, more satisfied with ourselves and our place in the world when we give. I am praying that God helps me to continue to grow in my ability to be a giver. How about you?
Preschoolers from King's Child Care Center share Valentine's cards with President Lonac