Life was unusually hectic for me over the last year. I was volunteering with two arts organizations and working a second job among other things. Up until now, I must confess, I’ve taken our volunteers at ET for granted. I’ve never experienced this level of mental and physical exhaustion before. More than that, compared to the organizations I volunteered with, many of our volunteers put in triple the amount of time and effort; in a few cases, it amounts to a part time job.
We talk a lot about “stepping up into leadership” and that’s important, but don’t take this as a guilt-trip. I’ve been there: wanting to go home after work and binge watch tv instead of volunteering. Rest is important. Yet, going back to a message Jeremy gave during lent a few years ago, he challenged us to sacrifice something to make room for God. While with the choir, I delayed joining a small group, I turned down social invitations, and, for a time, I gave up baking. It never felt like a sacrifice and I learned so much from the opportunities, not just the skills but about myself. For me, God showed up.
I can’t guarantee that volunteering at ET will be the same for you. It’s hard work, long hours, frustrating and maybe a little heartbreaking. Why would anyone get involved knowing that? Because it’s home, it’s family and we all do our part. And it’s my hope you get a glimpse of the Kingdom.
Annie