Spring is the season of giving. As we drove out to the river this afternoon it was easy to see the promise of new crops starting to green the field in a soft hue. Yards in neighborhoods have been fed and weed eaten and now are ready to receive the blessing of soft spring rains and maybe a torrent or two. In spring, we see the promise of what the year can bring. The rivers are still running high, bring new nutrients and moisture to other places that have been dry since last spring’s runoff.
Just as the streams, cascades, rills and rushes transport soil and nutrients, so too does the wind. Trace elements from volcanic eruptions half-way around the globe are deposited to feed the soil. In spring it feels like everything is about renewal. Spring is the perfect time to re-commit to our commitment to give. In the series introduction we talked about giving on the physical plane. Now our challenge is to look at ways we can give of our time rather than of our stuff.
For many organizations, besides fundraising getting volunteers to help with projects is one of the most difficult. The number of organizations that are looking for volunteers to help is nearly uncountable! And, you do not necessarily have to have special training. It only takes a few minutes on line or checking with your local Chamber of Commerce to find worthy causes to support and give your time to. There is everything from Special Olympics to Friends of the Theater to Big Brothers and Big Sisters or even your local Animal Shelter!
I like to think of spring volunteer connections as the flowers we plant for ourselves in our lives. When we reach out and help others we are planting the seeds of potential of new associations and new friendships and we do reap what we sow. If you plant the seeds now to allow for new friendships to begin you will find rewards you had never thought of and feel better about the summer to come.
So, as your summer schedule begins to fill up, somewhere between the company BBQ and Aunt Liz’s family reunion, try scheduling some time to volunteer for something that you believe in. If you cannot find something to volunteer at, try thinking of a small way you can give back. Remember, sometimes all it takes is the actions of one concerned citizen out there to start something that can change a community!
As you watch the earth waking up and nature is granting you the promise of the fullness of her bounty remember that through giving back you strengthen far more than the organization you volunteer for. Through giving your time you contribute to the cycle of positive energy that can be so powerful. You strengthen your own connection, and you could find a whole new circle of friends. You do not have to have tons of time to give. Some places are happy to have your help for even the first time.
Spring begins to more closer to summer, try injecting a little bit of give back into your schedule. A good way to start is look at what you like to do – what is fun for you, and find a way to volunteer with it. What types of places would you look to volunteer at? Where would you go to give a little back? As a special contest during the season of giving I’ll be picking my favorite of your posts to this blog about your ideas of different ways you can give this Spring when the Earth is bringing forth so many gifts for us to enjoy!
Don’t forget to stop by my facebook page to enter the Tarot Reading Giveaway! You can enter every day!
