Allowing Your Light to Shine

As a child, my cousins would always call me a little miss goodie two shoes.  I don't know about you, but for me, that always seemed like a derogatory name.  I don't really know where my nature to be of service to others has come from - but I believe the Angels must have been whispering in my ears from my birth.  Do I get it right all the time, absolutely not - but that is how we all learn.

As an adult, I have worked for various non-profits and volunteered for many different organizations.  I can remember one place I worked, the department I was in was very busy and most did not have time to participate in the volunteer opportunities our employer asked of us, so I tried to do more to represent our department.  And I was shocked when my supervisor told me that those employees in the department who were very busy - actually complained.  I can remember my answer "well, if they would do more, I believe I would not feel that I need to carry the load for our department."  Maybe not the more elegant answer (I can be very defensive when cornered.)  I now can see that they were either jealous that I took the time to help or they felt bad because they could not - most likely the later.  Today, I am part of an organization which is all about giving service to others and we are highly encouraged to do so.

I truly believe we are here to serve each other and when we hold back because of fear of what others may think, or say, we are holding on to the very gifts and graces which the Father has given us.  And when we simply don't want to help another person - well, I would suggest you might want to go to confession (just a thought.)

Serving others may not be the most lucrative activity - in fact it may cost you - energy, time and money.  But honestly when you help another, you receive back so much more that cannot be measured in this world's terms.  Serving others may not be easy - it may be work - it may be hard - it may physically test and challenge you.  But I ask you, (ok - prepare yourself for
here comes a little Catholic guilt)  was it easy for our Lord to pick up and carry his cross to Calvary?  I believe we all know the answer.  We are all called to do works of Mercy and Charity.  As Catholics it should be part of our DNA - if it is not part of yours - pray to the Holy Spirit for an infusion.

But what if you are not physically able to give service - is all lost?  Absolutely not, for you can pray for those who do give physical service and pray for those who need service.  Prayers are our most powerful tool.

If you are at a loss of what to do - perhaps you are newbie at service or now have a family you would like to include - I have a few suggestions -- look at your Parish bulletin for ideas, ask others where they volunteer, check out your diocese website.  Another idea is that Advent will soon be upon us - you could create an Advent Calendar which calls you to do something for another person each day - this is great for a family - items could include visiting a nursing home (adopt a senior), writing personal greetings to people you have not reached out to lately or you know they may be struggling with the holidays, take cookies to your local fire fighters - and I'm sure you can think of many more. 

I've found a links with lots more suggestions:

Catholic Link - acts of Charity

Now is the time to let your light shine - the world needs us more than ever -- people all around you can be blessed by your actions today.