Help Every Day!

I hear myself say, “I don’t want to.” I’m selfish with my time and energy. I feel overwhelmed by everything I already have to do. But I know how daily habits work—and how helping daily can work too. You start with small things, often outside your comfort zone. It gets easier. You see the benefits, and soon you start looking for opportunities to create or help every day.

I notice that I help my family a lot. Not that it doesn’t matter—but that’s not what this is about. So, I have to start small.

Today, as I got a coffee from the refreshment bar at church, I noticed a volunteer standing there. Normally, I wouldn’t introduce myself. I’d just say, “Good morning,” and move on. But instead, I said, “Hi! I’m Joe.” She gave me her name, and I replied, “Thank you for serving.” It’s not much, but it wasn’t easy for me to even think of doing it—let alone follow through.

Every step is momentum. Awareness and daily practice are key. No gesture of kindness is too small. I may not know the difference it makes, but that doesn’t matter. If we’re all making small differences, it adds up.

I also saw the volunteer sign-up sheet for ‘Love Month,’ our church’s initiative to serve the community. I heard that same voice: “I don’t want to…” But I’m going to sign up for something in February anyway. Maybe I’ll enjoy it. Maybe it will change that voice into, “I get to do this!”