ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“One person can make a difference; but together we can make a change.”  No one famous made this quote.  In fact, someone very infamous did -- Me.

Yes, I was working on fire safety programs and trying to inspire other members of the fire service to jump on board and help with those programs. 

I said it again while working on a community outreach ministry at my previous church; as I, again, was trying to motivate people to volunteer to help with our ministry.

I burned out on both those very worthwhile causes.  To the point I was not only exhausted but physically ill.

So, is it any wonder why I am filled with panic when I hear the words, “Would you be willing to. . .” or, “Do you think you could. . .”

If followed by a request for me to help with a project, or take over running something, I can’t help but wonder if it is just one more time where I will jump in and try to make a difference, only to find myself standing alone?  It’s too exhausting!

I’m not even great at running things, so I know these poor people are getting to the bottom of the barrel of helpers.  I hate to say, “No,” and how would it look if I just turned and ran.

I often wonder what the problem is.  My mother used to ask me, why it had to be me.  “Let someone else do it,” she would often say.  My honest reply would be, “Because no one else will.”

So what is going on?  Are their less people or way too many jobs to volunteer for?  Maybe because we have so many people who need service of some kind, there are too many jobs. Each of us could have tons of opportunity to volunteer; church, school, coaching, nursing homes, scouting, hunger relief programs, etc., etc., etc..

There is an old adage that says, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”  That is very true.  However, as I mentioned above, remember people can burn out. I did, and it was no fun.

Instead, maybe everyone should take a moment to assess their lives to determine whether they could find a little time to give to a cause.  Not just any cause either.  After they figure out how much time they have to give, they could look around the community for programs that fit into their time frame or interest.

Still, if one loves excitement and danger, and sees the sign at a local volunteer fire company looking for help, they may want to keep driving by if they only have a couple hours a month to give.  On the other hand, if someone has the flexibility in their time to give and is physically able, they may be a good candidate for the fire company position.

The person with only a few hours to give a month might be perfect to help distribute food at a pantry, or reading to residents of a nursing home.  Maybe less excitement and drama, but no less fulfilling.

The bottom line is that: one person can make a difference.  But together we can make a change in the lives of people in our community