This past week or so has taught me a lot, and I find that I'm grateful for many things. (We returned from Mississippi today (Sunday, June 8, 2008) around 4:30 P.M. I'm sure I'll not articulate this as well as I'd like... but I need to record a few thoughts.)
In No Particular Order:
- I'm grateful for big-hearted friends that were willing to go the distance (literally) to help people in need.
- I'm grateful that I was able to accompany and assist them.
- I'm grateful for the people that continue to organize relief efforts, despite the financial and other odds, and for the many people that assist them in supporting those who travel (as did we) to offer our help.
- I have learned that people in distress are a part of my family in this experience of life and its ups and downs.
- It doesn't take long to have someone you've never before known, settle into the center of your heart.
- Disasters can result in blessings.
- Serving others is the way we are supposed to co-exist.
- Being grateful is a "two-way street."
- With only a little effort, a few people can offer encouragement and hope for better days ahead.
- I'm grateful for the opportunity to get to better know and appreciate the people with whom I traveled and worked this past week.
- I'm grateful for those that would have liked to have been with us but couldn't. They supported us financially and in ways we may never fully know and/or appreciate.
- I'm grateful for my friends and neighbors that allowed me to travel by keeping watch over my yard(!) while both my husband and I were gone (he at a mission of the heart in another direction).
- I appreciate YOUR support; your kind, supportive and encouraging notes.
- I'm grateful for the entire experience, and the emotions that were evoked.
- I know there is much more, but I've exhausted myself! :-)
10 comments:
Welcome back Shady! I'm sure you found things a bit on the soggy side after your absence... But congratulations on what sounds like it was a very productive and helpful time away from home. Your reflections demonstrate some wonderful sentiments as well ... I'd say you merit a huge 'Trowels Up!' for your work. :-)
Shady,
What a wonderful, heartfelt and thoughtful post... Thank you for it and for volunteering to help others. ...I am looking forward to hearing more about your experiences. Welcome home.
Gail
It doesn't take long to have someone you've never before known, settle into the center of your heart.
Disasters can result in blessings.
Serving others is the way we are supposed to co-exist.
Being grateful is a "two-way street."
These are my favorite and oh so true, you never know when a new close friend is right around the corner..
A wonderful post! We should all be so lucky as to find the truth in these statements you've made. Meantime, thanks for all you've done.
Welcome back! I hope your garden isn't under water. (Wouldn't that be ironic, to return home from flood relief efforts to find a flood at home.) I'm sure your generosity & effort have touched people deeply. Your observations remind me of part of the Prayer of St. Francis, that in giving we receive.
Thank you for your comments, my friends. :-)
Wonderful, thought-provoking sentiments... you and your fellow volunteers are to be commended for all your efforts, in extending care and comfort to fellow man. After all, we are all in the same boat, when to comes to the human experience. Thanks for an uplifting post... Deb
Thanks, Deb! :-) It does give one a fresh perspective, as well as much to ponder!
i'm so glad that you were able to make the trip. what a great opportunity and how wonderful you were to volunteer :) what a great family i have!
WE do have a great family! :-)
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