Since I do mostly volunteer/ministry work now, I suppose it helps that we are not vying for promotion or raises. It is such a blessing to work with folks who have their eye on a different sort of prize. Oh, we have our differences, but it mostly seems we are focused on the purpose of our work, the people we serve and are supportive of one another.
But we do struggle with burnout because we forget that we are only there to be a part of the whole. We forget to make room for the new volunteer that is longing to fit in, to learn, to make a difference too. We are afraid that if we don't do it, it won't get done well enough.
But in ministry we are not doing this for ourselves or by ourselves, but rather we are part of a much larger picture. The energy goes out to the the program's purpose, to those who are established, and it travels through those who come behind. It is the best kind of win-win-win when we leave our egos at the door and wrap ourselves in humility and welcome the Spirit of God among us.
Today I travel across the state to be welcomed by a community of women who have reached out to share their knowledge, experience and insights with me, that I might grow in my capacity to lead in our local organization. I will join them in welcoming women who are affected by the incarceration of a loved one and share our hope and faith with them.
Please pray for us all, for the guests seeking solace in their sorrow and fear, the women seeking to be the hands and feet of God in serving them, and the many folks who contribute time, funds, talent and most especially prayer overflowing that we might all draw closer one to another and to our God who loves us so much.