Principles of Volunteerism, God’s Way
Congratulations on arriving at the threshold of transition. The road through this season–whether of academia, work, or community–was not easy, but the lessons learned intellectually, spiritually, and socially will reap great benefits throughout your life. It may seem overwhelming yet exciting to expand your faith, trusting God in the process.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that the essence of
life is to serve others and do good. A critical element in transition is becoming connected in your new community. Of course, your job and church will play a huge role; however, finding ways to immerse yourself in volunteer opportunities can enhance your skill set, values, and network. Involvement in your community is two-fold; while you share your talent, time, and treasure, the community offers are vast. You get to come alongside worthwhile causes, people in need, and the broader community. Research shows that sharing time through volunteer work reduces stress, combats depression, and provides a sense of purpose. Moreover, it operates as a practice of love.
Theologian Henry T. Blackaby, author of Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, writes the Father is at work around you, and that is an invitation to adjust your life to Him and join Him in that work. This statement was a game-changer for me. I received it as a God Assignment in the work that I do in my community. God graciously invited me to join Him in the work that He is doing in Grant County, and I find it an honor - and so will you.
Your contributions and dedication will influence the importance of strengthening ties in your new homeplace. Even if you have decided to return to your former hometown, you probably are not the same person you were when you left. The college experiences have expanded your worldview, deepened your insights, and shaped your social diversity concepts.
The late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) said, “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, say something! Do something! Get in trouble! Good trouble! Necessary trouble!” As you move forward, take action and make volunteer involvement a high priority. Investing in your new home-place and connecting with your community as neighbors will open your eyes to its assets and riches. And then, you will reconcile that you are part of the whole that is making a difference.
_________________________________________
Cathy Weatherspoon is the Executive Director of Thriving Grant County, Mill Township, a collective impact initiative that orients cross-sector participants towards solving complex social or environmental problems collectively around poverty in Grant County. Before her appointment at Thriving Grant County, Cathy worked at Taylor University for 12 years, serving as assistant professor and director in Student Development. She taught biblical small groups for more than 20 years serves on the Community Outreach and Hospitality committees at CWC. She and her husband, Bruce, have been married for 34 years and have two adult children.