How Are You Making a Difference?

“Train a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he will not turn away from it”—Proverbs 22:6 (NIRV).

Although my parents weren’t regular churchgoers, they set an example of helping others. I also remember my grandparents assisting others, especially my maternal grandmother, who was always baking or cooking and delivering food to others in need.  She also shared the produce from her bountiful garden. All set an example for my sister and me.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of working with an 11-year-old boy who was visiting his grandparents for a week. Twice a month, I volunteer at our church’s food pantry. Spencer was helping—willingly I might add—by straightening and restocking shelves and delivering the baskets of food to the front where those in need were waiting. His gift for organizing was evident after I gave him initial instructions on what needed to be done. I was impressed. How many 11-year-olds want to spend part of their summer vacation helping others?

That same week I was volunteering at our church again, this time filling grocery bags with school supplies for needy children in our county. Spencer, along with his cousin, and several other young people of various ages, including some high school students, were helping to fill the orders.

I was impressed by another young man, John, who will be attending college this fall. He was my partner as we worked together to make sure each bag contained the correct supplies for the student’s grade level. I didn’t know John very well, but as we worked side-by-side, we talked about his future. By the time our shift was over, we were friends and exchanged a hug before he left to finish packing for college. He was leaving that Saturday. However, before he left for college, he was volunteering four hours of his time on a Thursday morning.

In a recent letter from our pastor, he thanked our congregation for the difference our church is making in the community. In the letter, he shared the following story:

“Just yesterday, an eight-year-old girl came into my office. She explained that she and her friend had opened a lemonade stand one afternoon in her neighborhood. She was excited to tell me that they had made eight dollars. She then handed me a sealed envelope with the eight dollars inside! She wanted to donate the entire amount to her church so we could help homeless people in our community. I was so happy to be able to tell her about her church’s Good Samaritan Ministry which cares for people when they are in trouble. She felt good about giving a gift. She smiled. I felt like God was smiling too.”

In his book, “The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember,” Fred Rogers said, “Whether we’re a preschooler or a young teen, a graduating college senior or a retired person, we human beings all want to know that we’re acceptable, that our being alive somehow makes a difference in the lives of others.”

When I see young people making a difference in our world, it gives me hope for the future. Let the stories of these youngsters inspire you to make a difference.