"Voluntarism is dying". This quote departs from the lips of many in leadership positions within non-profit sector organizations. Perhaps it is more difficult to find people to do specific tasks, or perhaps leaders just grumpily pine for a day gone by where people just freely gave of their time and knew how to commit, or maybe we find ourselves increasingly busy with life and there are more avenues to give of our time and less time in which to do it...... I'm not sure.
As I write this, large quantities of apples, pie crust and crumble, boxes piled high all await dozens of people who will cheerfully give of their time to make apple pies for our annual fundraiser. Others gave of their time these past two weeks to serve on a committee to get our Family Fun Fest going, or on the board of directors to chart our path forward. Volunteers spend time with kids who need some extra assistance in their learning, or to assess reading skills for a teacher who can then tailor instruction to the class needs. Volunteers build things, like decks. They fill holes, cut grass and landscape, run wires and install fixtures, they paint and organize golf tournaments, coach sports teams and build parade floats, they sort items in a store for reclaimed construction materials.
It's clear that NACE is a community of dedicated people passionate about the work we do. A volunteer who can see that peeling an apple, or attending a meeting translates into lights on in classrooms, financial assistance for those who need it, or the lesson that cuts to the heart of a child and convicts them that God loves them and they have a specific purpose for His glory in the world.... that is a cheerful giver. The blessing of doing that shoulder to shoulder spreads our vision as a community and deepens our commitment to Christ in Education. It connects us in Christ.
As you read this, please do two things: 1) thank God for the many people in our midst who cheerfully give of their time to keep our schools running effectively and affordably, and 2) consider the upcoming tasks that never seem to end or present themselves, and decide what you might be able to do to connect yourself to others in Christ. Some are inspiring and some are mundane, but all of them connect us to the heart of what we do: teach kids to Live for Jesus, Learn for Life, and Serve with Gladness.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 " The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
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