Volunteering every 3rd Saturday for the last 7 years has bestowed on me a deluge of Glory Sightings. These are times when I see the unexpected. I think some people believe that just because someone is poor or struggling, dirty or homeless, they have no manners or sense of decency. There are of course those people in our world, but the people I have met through Manna are kind and grateful. And yes, they do say "please", "thank you" and "I appreciate you making our meal today". They reach out to one another with a helping hand. They gift another with their own coat or carry a tray for someone who is unable. They share in conversation and encourage one another. What may be different from you and me is their experiential background. They may not have the experience to problem solve a particular situation. They may not be able to break a large problem down into smaller pieces and tackle first one and then the next. They may only see the 'overwhelming' and shrink away finding it unattainable.
It's the community folks, who have never been to Manna or folks who are afraid to interact with anyone who isn't 'like them', or some who fear poverty who might not understand why anyone would find hope in volunteering for a non-profit. Manna called me recently to ask me "why?" as they were writing a small article for their newsletter. It made me wonder and I tried to articulate my why.
First and foremost, I believe every individual should volunteer somewhere on a regular basis. Rich or poor, we should all be doing our part to help others and to make life about someone other than ourselves.
I firmly believe that no one wakes each day and says to themselves "I want to be desperate and poor, strung out and homeless". I believe through uncontrollable circumstances or poor choices or a carefree life style gone bad, people become embroiled in a faltering life. I volunteer at Manna because I love to be witness to how they guide folks in any of these situations and give them support to reach beyond those circumstances towards a better life. Manna knows how to teach by example. Manna knows which folks need tough love, which need medical attention and which need to know they matter in this world, the deepest kind of love. Manna knows and I take my cues from them. Manna has restored many lives through empathy, encouragement, love, education and focus on possibilities. We can all use that in our lives. By following that lead, I can make something more of my life than just doing things for 'me'. I can make life about others. Is there a better path?
Manna knows that 'life' is about touching someone's heart. They know that with a smile or a welcome they are adding value to a person's life. You and me? NEVER underestimate the value of a connection. It will most probably take you out of your comfort zone to make your actions about someone else, but in meeting them where they are, you connect.
By making them matter, you matter. Rejoice!