Finding Service Opportunities! “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf).
Think of a time that you have been on the receiving end of service. It’s humbling, right? Whether it was a simple act of a friend reaching out to you or something extraordinary, it made you feel important. You felt cared for. Now, think of a time when you did the serving. The service you rendered, big or small, hopefully, made you feel like you served a purpose. Did it put a smile on your face? Was it fulfilling, even though it may have been done with complete discretion? Serving others is a unique experience and the boost it gives our inner self can’t be replicated. Finding service opportunities is a vital part of balancing YOU!
I have personally been the recipient of countless acts of service. One that comes to mind is when I was pregnant with my first child. We were living off my teacher salary while my husband finished up his Master’s. Money was tight but I had already made the decision to stay home with my son when he was born. We had nothing for the baby! I had a few clothes and a little bouncer seat for him but that was it.
One day a co-worker asked me if I had a crib yet. Being 8 months pregnant, that hadn’t really crossed my mind. Yikes! I told her no. She asked about a few other items and I had to say no to those too. I was a Rockstar yard sale finder so I was hoping to get lucky a few Saturday’s before the birth! We finished our conversation and that was that.
After work, I picked up my husband at his University and we headed home. As we pulled into our driveway, another car pulled in right behind me. I was thrilled to see two of my co-workers, including the one who I spoke to earlier about baby items. They were my friends so I assumed they came to visit. Boy, was I wrong!
Denise and Cindy then proceeded to open the trunk of their car which was full of baby items. My heart leapt, my pride shrunk and my eyes were wet. They then began hauling in a crib, bassinet, crib bedding set, blankets, sheets, onesies, diaper holder, swaddling items, etc. All I could say was thank you but they have no idea the impact it left on me. Nine years later, I still tear up thinking about it.
The most humbling aspect was seeing how happy they were to serve us. It was a huge financial sacrifice on their part but they made us feel important. I hope they know that their service made me grateful for them on that day and every day since.
I learned an important lesson from that experience. When we step outside of ourselves and listen to the needs of others, we have an opportunity to impact someone forever. It probably seemed like a simple task for them and I’m sure they had fun picking out baby stuff but there’s no way they could have known the impact it would leave on my me and my husband.
Service isn’t about finding the time, it’s about taking advantage of the opportunity anytime. If we wait until it’s convenient, we will miss so many life-enriching opportunities. Service doesn’t need to be grandiose or something we plan for months in advance. If we are open to serving, we will realize there are opportunities to serve daily. We will also be witnesses to the positive impact it has on our own lives. Finding service opportunities are usually right in front you. If not, check out one of our favorites The Harvest Center of Charlotte www.theharvestcenter.org
Audrey Whiteley, CSE®
works for Balance & Harmony 360², as a Certified Staging Expert in the HOME division. The home environment affects your health, productivity, and happiness. She works with individuals who need to freshen-up outdated décor, “show” a room’s potential or help homeowners create a lifestyle. Audrey makes the most of your surroundings whether you are staging for a quick sale, building a home, or want to elicit a more productive and peaceful setting in which to live.
Audrey Can Help Create:
Ideas or Design Boards
Room Layouts and Arrangements
Organization Solutions
Home Staging DIY Reports
Pre-Move Prep Strategies and Moving Plans
Purchasing and Hands-On Staging
Project Management from Start to Finish
About Balance & Harmony 360², Inc.
Owned and operated by Melinda Smith, CPO®, we offer Business Training & Consulting with a Twist! Our sweet spot is working with Entrepreneur’s and their companies to create a productive work environment, happy home, and prosperous you! Our passion is listening to clients goals, thinking through solutions and coming up with creative 360² action plans that address work, home, and you! We also provide dynamic action oriented training to get your team motivated. Learn to Love Going to Work Again! Increase Time with Your Family! Get Things Done! Our process is simple and geared toward the professional. You CAN get your LIFE back in BALANCE!
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