Chances to serve

This season, we love to think about volunteering. From soup kitchens to donating presents to children in far-off lands through charities like Operation Christmas Child, many opportunities to give are presented to us.

In a magazine I write for, we did an entire edition revolving around service opportunities this time of year. However, in those stories I wanted to stress that opportunities to volunteer are available all year round.

I am thankful for opportunities to serve. Giving of yourself is great a variety of reasons - people are thankful, you are making a difference in someone's life, we are created to be in relationships with one another which also means helping one another, and it feel good. Knowing that you have helped someone in their time of need really satisfies something deep inside.

There are many ways to give of yourself. We can give financially, like giving to missionaries or purchasing gifts for the Angel Tree or Toys for Tots. We can give of our time, like helping a friend move or by baking cookies for a neighbor. We can give of our hearts, like giving a hug or sitting down to listen to someone's problems.

I think we often view service as an obligation or giving up something. However, when I take an opportunity to volunteer, I enjoy it. It makes me feel satisfied and content. Volunteering gives you something, just like you are giving something to someone else.