INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday was a whirlwind day. I was working on a big project at work, well several big projects, and things were buzzing. One of my team members made arrangements for several parishioners, actually, five volunteered to help us with a large mailing we were putting together. Can I just say they were amazing 🙂 .

We had everything set up when they arrived, on time, and dare I say excited to help. Now keep in mind this group is retired and ranges in age from 80 to 91 years old. They came in, took the instructions and before I could say have a seat, they were setting up their individual station and loading up on the components they needed from the center of the table. We had scheduled them to be with us for two hours.

Well, let’s just say that I got my steps in yesterday morning. This group of volunteers worked so well together, they were blowing through supplies faster than I could bring things to them, and I simply couldn’t keep up. As I said, they did an amazing job and in less than two hours had assembled about 1000 pieces 🙂 . Did I mention that not one of them was less than 80 years old?

Here’s the thing though, yesterday morning wasn’t about getting a mailing assembled. Well, maybe a little bit. What was more wonderful to see and hear was the appreciation from these volunteers. They made comments like, “I loved doing this, I feel like I have a purpose”, “It was nice to be with a group of people to just have conversation”, “It was so nice to meet new people”, “Many hands make light work”. There was a connection made yesterday in many ways. In the short time they were together, this group made a connection.

I’m fortunate in my job to get to meet so many people. I’m even more fortunate to get to know our seniors, some of the most special people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I love to hear their stories, where they grew up, the jobs they’ve done, the lives they’ve lived, yes they are so special.

Father brought that group together yesterday, and He wanted me to see the goodness in that room. I was stressed in the morning, and that gathering made the stress disappear and goodness fill my heart. I wish I could explain it. You just wanted to stay in that space and soak up the energy there.

So, I learned a few things yesterday, 1) just ask when you need help, 2) you’re never too old to learn something new 3) give people the chance to make a difference, and most importantly, don’t underestimate the difference you can make by bringing people together. Much accomplished yesterday for sure.

Have a great day my friends, I’m off to see if any of those volunteers are looking for a part-time job 🙂 .

Leviticus 19:32
You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.