Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve

Monday, 21 June 2010 17:50 Last Updated on Monday, 21 June 2010 18:15 Written by Judge Glenda Hatchett

“To whom much is given, much is required.” This quote is often used as a reference to encourage service and giving. However, we must define for ourselves and our children how as a family we will fulfill the mandates of this directive. Having “much” should not only be measured in dollars and cents, but should also be measured in ability and compassion. While donating money, clothes and other necessities is extremely helpful, there is no substitute for human interaction. Building a legacy of service for your family will go a long way in developing a kind and generous nature in your children’s lives.

The ability to serve others spans across all economic classes. It is not hard for your family to identify someone who has less than you in some area of their lives. For example, if your children are healthy consider a service project that uplifts children who are sick. If you have an elderly neighbor, who can no longer carry their groceries or cut their lawns, volunteer to complete these tasks for them. There are many other activities that families with children can easily complete. Picking up trash around a park, playground, or beach is an easy yet beneficial task that even a small child could participate in. Working at a community food bank or soup kitchen is another activity that involves an entire family’s effort. These are simple acts of kindness and service that cost nothing to the giver, but are priceless to those who benefit.

In volunteering you will find that the benefit to your family is just as great as the benefit to those in need. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” Volunteering will provide your family with an immeasurable sense of accomplishment. Through service, one is able to build their leadership skills, promote positive social change, and obtain a deeper appreciation for life itself. Volunteerism allows families to feel closer, grow stronger, and have fun collectively, while helping those less fortunate. All families should acknowledge the importance of volunteering together and make it a frequent activity in their lives. Parents should understand that volunteerism sets an outstanding example for their children and allows them to help build their communities.

Busy schedules of family members can often become an impediment in a family’s effort to collectively participate in a community service project. A solution to this problem is selecting a few projects a year and making them a family tradition. Community service and family bonding are both very important. Molding the two together creates the best of both worlds.

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