The HEART of a Volunteer | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: The HEART of a Volunteer | Previous Challenge Entry
By Paul Etterling
11/28/06
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Happiness is the key to being a volunteer. There is something deep within us that loves to receive gifts. However, there is something even deeper within that knows there is happiness and satisfaction in giving. The volunteer is happy because he gives of his time, energy, abilities and resources to help others.

Everyone wins. The volunteer wins because he gave of himself. The recipient wins because her need has been met. There is no greater win than when volunteers are in place to get the job done.

Anticipation drives the volunteer. Why is it that people have flocked to New Orleans as volunteers? They have flocked to New Orleans in anticipation that they are going to make a difference in the recovery process. Medical personnel have gone anticipating lives being saved. Construction workers have gone with the anticipation of rebuilding the city. Relief volunteers have gone with the anticipation of giving food and drink to the hungry. Christians have gone with the anticipation of witnessing to someone of the love of Jesus while meeting physical needs. Where there is no anticipation, there is no volunteer.

Reciprocation will come. A complete understanding of the Bible will lead us to conclude that we must treat others the way we wish to be treated. During my first pastorate, a trio from the church and I would hold services in two nursing homes on the first Saturday each month. Often the lead singer would say to me, "I do this because I would want someone to sing for me when I am here." He understood reciprocation.

Time is not an obstacle for the volunteer. Too often, we allow our schedules to dictate us instead of us dictating our schedules. Our excuse for not volunteering usually has to do with not having enough time or being too tired due to our schedule. For the volunteer, these are not valid excuses.

More of us would volunteer if we would only take time to consider the bigger picture. We often have our priorities so mixed up that we only focus on ourselves and what brings us the greatest gain. The next time volunteers are needed at church, school, or in the community, take time to consider the bigger picture. Do you have the HEART of a volunteer?

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