I’ve never felt more joy in my life than the times that I’ve volunteered to make an impact in someone’s life.
I’ve been volunteering and doing community service for as long as I can remember. I grew up doing service projects with my church youth group where we would prepare boxes of food at local food banks, make crafts and play games at several eldercares, prepare meals for families at a crisis pregnancy center, and so much more.
I also have amazing parents who have always pushed me to show love and kindness to every person I come into contact with. They help me realize that there’s a multitude of people who are less fortunate than I am. There are so many blessings that are easy to take for granted, so I am conscious to humble myself and commit my time to doing good for others.
But you don’t have to pride yourself on having a servant’s heart in order to volunteer your time every now and then. I encourage you to go out and benefit your community with your service whenever you can, because the feeling that you get from it is unlike anything you’ll ever experience.
Devoting your time to enrich the lives of others—even in the smallest way—just warms your heart more than words can even describe.
Some of the benefits of volunteering can come from the different people you meet who are also trying to improve the world with their actions. The people who I have met through my volunteer sites are some of the most down-to-earth individuals I have ever met.
Volunteering also opens your eyes to the world around you. You get to see just how fortunate you are, and you’re made more aware of the problems that those in the local area face on a regular basis. It only encourages me to serve more because I desperately want to see a change!
I know that trying to maintain a balance with college, work, clubs, and a social life can make it difficult to set aside time in helping other people, but it is possible.
I manage by volunteering at a local thrift store in Rock Hill on the one day of the week I don’t have classes. This is probably one of my favorite parts about my week because I’m surrounded by people who love serving as much as I do, and I also get to see the smiling faces of adults and children who come in and find just what they’re looking for. It is truly a heartwarming experience each time I go in.
There’s honestly nothing more rewarding than to see that your time and effort has lifted the spirits or improved the day for that individual. You’ll find how easy it is for your day to be improved as well.
If you choose to set aside just a few hours every week or month to do something good for others who need it, your life—and the lives of those individuals—will be transformed forever. Anything you do will make a difference!
I hope you feel inspired to volunteer your time to local organizations, community events, or nonprofits. There’s always someone who needs an act of kindness, a smile from a stranger who cares, or any resource that you can help provide.
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him Faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24