Find Ways to Serve

In writing about my five quarantine goals, I've covered keep a routine,  celebrate my children, and take a walk.

I'm a little embarrassed to share the fourth goal, since I fear it sounds like bragging. I don't want anyone to feel bad when reading this. Many of you are overwhelmed by the extra load of homeschooling. Please don't compare. You may be serving your family at top capacity right now.

When this quarantine began, I knew how self-centered I could become. When life turns topsy-turvy, I want to huddle around my children and shut out the world. It is easy for me to think only of myself, so I set the goal to find ways to serve.

I knew the elderly people, without church or visitors, would be lonely. Thankfully the mail service still works, so my first goal was to send a card every day.

I haven't made that daily goal, but I have sent far more cards this past month than usual. I don't know if the cards have been a blessing to anyone else, but I know it has been good for me to get my mind off of myself.

Others around me have also been looking for ways to serve.

My brother called various local organizations to see what their needs are. He found that many don't have their usual volunteers over this pandemic, but their needs are increasing.

One such  place was our local homeless shelter. So one afternoon we made and delivered a meal. When I think that just a few miles from my house there could be hungry families, I feel embarrassed at my full freezers. And I love making large quantities of food.

Another opportunity came through a lady at our church. Our local hospital had received a shipment of N95 masks from the federal stockpile, but the straps needed replaced.  My daughter and I both spent a day sewing with many other ladies to fill this need. 

I've been blessed to see how others are serving.

One of my friends came to our house very early in the morning when we were all still sleeping and placed a box of treats for the whole family on the porch.

My brother and my sons got up early on a Saturday and baked cinnamon rolls which they delivered to some neighbors. Another Saturday they helped a neighbor replace an exterior door.

Another brother, who lives in a low-income neighborhood, is planning to host a community take-out meal. One of the goals of the meal is to evaluate the needs in his neighborhood.

One of my friends is texting an encouraging verse or quote along with a lovely photo every day. 

There are so many ways that we can reach out to others. It doesn't have to be anything big or elaborate. 

Last week I visited Walmart for the first time in weeks. It was also the first time I was in a store since masks were required. I hate how masks hide emotions and give everyone an air of distance and unfriendliness. Typically when I shop, I keep my eyes on my shopping list and move quickly through the store. But with masks, everyone looked so sad, and I determined to try to make a difference. I purposely made eye contact with fellow shoppers. I nodded, said "hi," and smiled broad enough to squint my eyes. It felt a little silly, but my unseen smiles were returned and some shoppers stopped to say a few words. I think all of us are starved for some human contact.

Thann Bennett wrote, "Loneliness stems not from a place of being physically alone but from the lack of being truly known." I can't end the loneliness many are experiencing right now, but maybe I can do a little to show someone that they are noticed. 

I'd love to hear the ways you are finding to reach out to others. Or the ways others have encouraged you.