Okay, y'all.
It's not often that I mesh my blog post with my job for the day, but today is a day when I'm choosing to do that...because I am crazy excited about our Mid-Morning show today...and I'd love for you to be part of it.
And for me, it starts with a confession.
My mother is a volunteer extraordinaire. She loves to help organizations with their projects. Every week, she goes to the local Rescue Mission and works in their Christmas room, washing toys, sorting game pieces, and wrapping gifts that become part of their Christmas gift giveaways to struggling families. All year long, she helps them prepare for the next Christmas, and she loves it.
Me?
Not so much.
And I cannot tell you the absolute guilt that has washed over me so many times because I do not find joy in serving in that way. How did I not get the servanthood genes, when my mother has them in abundance? What is wrong with me?
Don't get me wrong...I do those things when I need to. When I'm part of a group that does a service project, I go, and I pitch in to do my part. But I always feel a little cheated, because I leave the day without a lot of feeling in my heart, while all my fellow servants half-skip back to their cars, delighting in what they've just done.
Am I dead inside? Seriously! What is wrong with me?
Lynne and I had a long, long discussion about this one day, when I poured out my confession to her, and in our conversation, I came to this conclusion: I live in a world that is serve-happy - in very specifically approved ways. And that is a good thing...except not every person feels called to serve in the same way. And for people like me, who feel called to give in ways that aren't currently trending as chic...well...guilt is piled high.
And so...we created the show we're doing today - about GIVING thanks. About searching through our hearts to find out what we're thankful for and then finding a way to give to others who might not have those things.
...like clean water.
...like clothing and bedding.
...like hope.
...like an intact home.
Today we're talking to people who put their efforts toward making sure other people have those things - and they offer ways for you to pitch in and help in ways that fit your gifts and abilities.Many ways. Many gifts and abilities. From donating time to donating money to spreading the word - you can help in the way that fits YOU.
So today...think about those things that you're amazingly thankful for. And think about those who might not have them. Then...what if you asked God to show you a way to reach out to those who have not? Not a pre-fabricated, expected-by-everyone-in-the-world way, but in a way that is meaningful to YOU and to GOD?
If you read this before 10 a.m., we would love for you to tune in and hear the show. If you catch this later, check out our archive page to hear some ideas for GIVING thanks!
Thankfulness, Day 6: Have you ever had a mentor? Even if you never met with a mentor in an official capacity, who in your life has served as a mentor...teaching you something about an area of life that has strengthened you to be the person you are today. They took time to pour into you...model behavior for you...and give you advice. Take a minute today to say THANK YOU and to let them know how their investment has paid off!
3 hours ago
7 comments:
Dear Bekah...God gives each of us different talents and we each have our own strengths & weaknesses. You have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about because your talents don't go in the same direction as those of your mother. You touch so many people's lives with just your blog, not to mention all the other things you do. Concentrate on what you are good at and where God leads you personally. He made each of us different for a reason, but each of us are equally important to His plan no matter where our talents lie.
For what it's worth, I also believe there are mental attitude sins that most of us don't even think about as being sins such as jealousy, resentment, anger, hate, fear, guilt, judging, etc. and we need to be more vigilant of those pitfalls because they can be quite destructive to ourselves as well as others.
I just read through this again and want to add that I am thankful for you being a part of our family and making Ryan happy. Also thankful for your blog...there have been many times when you have given me food for thought and helped me to look at things from a different perspective and I know from reading comments of your other followers, that many people feel the same. Love you kiddo!
I totally agree with Karen in every way! Even though I am quite a bit older than you, I have learned so much from your blog! It has helped me to grow in many areas so, just know that God is using you in BIG ways!
Karen - thank you SO MUCH for all your sweet words. I appreciate them. I promise I wasn't compliment fishing with the post - but I appreciate so much your affirmation on what I do here in bloggety blog land and how that can be a bit of giving in its own way! It was so great to see you last night - love being part of your family. It's a joy!
Shari - Well thank YOU, my friend!!! I'm so glad I've gotten to know you through this little corner of the web. Big hugs!
As I was reading your post I was reminded of this Beth Moore post. Go and read it again and serve as you do best -- it might not look like everyone else's but it's not supposed to :)
http://blog.lproof.org/2013/03/what-would-you-look-like.html
girrlfrennnn
you are so LOVED! by me! and many others of course. :)
your blog and just YOU are a mission! You are constantly encouraging others and making us laugh (on the radio) and by your blog, you serve with recipes, honesty, real life stories, wisdom, experience, and love. Seriously girl, you are a real life volunteer for joy. You seek joy and don't take it for granted and choose to celebrate every month of your marriage and never fail to amaze me with the ways you are creative. That is a gift! to me! and i thank you.
I sometimes feel the say way you do, but then again we are sort of similar girls. I think the passion you have for your life and your loved ones and your job is a glimpse into how God feels about us and why we are so very important to him. If even one person can see that through your writing or your spirit of life.. then you my friend have done your "job." which is just being you, so pretty cool job, eh? :)
love you dear sweet friend. Feel better, you sound all cute today on the radio... a little stuffy but awesome. The interviews were amazing! I am a lover of mud love bracelets as we have bought several in the past. Several as in a ridiculous amount for friends and family and oh goodness... many. haha.
XOXO
Natasha - thank you for bringing that Beth Moore post back to me! I had forgotten it and IT IS A TREASURE.
Polly - My favorite line - "You are a real life volunteer for joy." I LOVE THAT!!! THank you so much for your affirmation. You are a joy to me! Tomorrow we talk about facial hair - and I can only imagine that a stuffy nosed Bekah discussing beards might make for an interesting hour.... :)
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