It is good. It is necessary for a healthy community. Someone needs to do it.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction… (James 1:27)
Some have volunteer opportunities everywhere they turn. Others have limited circles and no known connections. If you want to help others, how do you make it happen?
Know your calling. Why do you want to do anything? What, in a broad sense, are you called to do? Remind yourself of your motivation so that you can serve from the heart and not just off the checklist.
…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Know your availability. You can’t give what you don’t have. If you aren’t free 20 hours a week, don’t sign up to work 3 days a week at the neighborhood thrift store. Before you make any decisions about what you will do to offer a cup of cold water to anyone, know when and how much time you can offer.
Know your gifts. What are you good at? If you love nothing more than serving dinner to the entire block, a soup kitchen is probably a good fit. If you are an extrovert and communicate well, leverage those people skills on a one-to-one basis or as a group leader or teacher. If you prefer limited small talk and being outside, check into a list of houses needing yard work or repairs from a local church or agency. Habitat for Humanity is a lot of fun as a group project and serves great needs. I am by no stretch of the imagination a contractor, but I have enjoyed several years of builds with that program.
Know your possibilities. Start asking. Talk to friends. Let people know you are exploring options. Get ideas. Research local agencies. Call places and ask questions about need. Brainstorm. Pull together a list or pool of what might work. Now you have what you need to make a choice.
Enjoy! Put your heart into it and be blessed.
At a recent conference on hospitality, one of the speakers shared her way of remembering those she fed and what she served. She keeps a journal noting who came to a meal, what the menu was, any special needs, and whether the food was a hit or a bust. It’s a great way to remember all the joys of hospitality past, but it’s also an excellent tool to know who likes what (and who needs to avoid what).
A simple notebook (or spreadsheet, if you prefer) will allow you to track guests, menus, and preferences. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, just your notes.