another way to give

Sometimes I think about what I would do with my life if I didn't have to work... and money was no object. If I could do anything I dreamed to do... I think I would spend my life volunteering. I wouldn't travel far or start up an organization... I would just help out here and there around my city... lend my helping hands. I suppose there are a few people who would look at me cross-eyed and say I think you do that now! But not really... I was getting so good at saying no. Perhaps that tide has turned a bit, and maybe I am accepting a new challenge here and there, but my time is nowhere near as committed as it once was. And I like to be involved! It just doesn't seem like work to me if I'm happily visiting with a friend! Snow White sang about whistling while you work... but me? I'm just laughing! Whether I am reading with elementary school kids that need a little extra help, or chaperoning a high school band trip, I have a ball. And along the way, these people that I meet and work beside become woven into my life... become like part of my extended family. I was not thrilled that I was talked into being the secretary of our band booster organization... but my kids will be part of this program for seven years in total... why not be involved? Why not show my kids that what they do is important to me? Yeah... I may be a sucker... but I am a happy one!

This week the schools were celebrating volunteers... and sure... I now have three great new travel mugs... but most of all... I have been given the gift of appreciation.

There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day. -Alexander Woolcott