Getting by giving

Lately, I’ve been blogging about the economy.  I do this because just like many people, I’m concerned about whether or not I am “going to go under” or whether I’m destined to be a greeter at Wal-Mart.  I found that writing about the current state of the economy helps me to remain positive and keep moving forward.

As is probably true with many people right now, finding work is tough but I’m holding on okay.  When things get tough though, one thing I’ve found to be really rewarding is to give.

I’ve started giving my time once a week to a local homeless shelter called “The Open Door.” It’s located in the heart of downtown Atlanta and provides acts of service such as feeding the homeless, providing a place for the homeless to take showers, offering and participating in a foot clinic, and offering up a place of community.

When I volunteer my time, the worries I have about money and the economy seem to just melt away.  One thing that continues to amaze me when I’m volunteering is that there is always enough food.  Just the other day 5000 sandwiches were donated—we couldn’t give away enough of them!

I want to list a few benefits of what giving can do for you (or at least what it’s done for me):

* It makes you feel so good inside. 
* To help others is very cathartic.  You realize what you have and what you’ve taken for granted.
* The old saying of “it’s better to give than to receive,” holds true
* It doesn’t take much to give and what you give is huge
* Giving makes you feel human again

I’ve found that I can’t wait for Thursday mornings so I can volunteer my time at “The Open Door.” And as an added touch, volunteering my time has wiped away much of my cynicism.

So, my encouragement to you is to find a place where you can give of your time, whether it be through a church, a shelter, or a charity such as Habitat for Humanity.  There is always someone who can benefit from your generosity and there’s always time to give.  The gift you receive is the greatest feeling ever.