Life-Giving Giving
Several years ago now on a Saturday, I took my daughters Emily and Noelle and their friend Katie to help out with a local ministry. This ministry is an outreach to parents who have children who are Autistic or in wheelchairs or both. Every third Saturday of the month, volunteers try to teach these kids how to surf.
It was an absolutely amazing experience. The smiles on the faces of the people as we pushed them into waves, the spray of the white water, the laughter. But I have to tell you, the feeling among those of us who volunteered was sheer joy – there is nothing else like it. As we got in the car to leave at the end of the day, my then 11-year-old daughter Emily said, “Daddy, I don’t ever want to miss this again.”
Since that day, we have been back to help; though not as often as either of us would like. Now getting ready to go off to college, Emily still asks me to take her to help at the event. There is indeed something about doing something kind for another person that is rewarding – even life-giving.
The great Albert Schweitzer once offered this advice: “Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid.”
Beautiful!
Let us pray: Holy God, You give and you give and you give. And we remember today that we were created in your image with an innate desire to give. Continue to empower us to live more and more in your likeness. Tune our hearts to yours. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
