I recently read an article about a sweet 82 year old woman here in Utah who has dedicated her life to serving those around her. For years she has volunteered her time at the hospital lifting people’s spirits. Her goal is simply to make all of the patients smile. Even at the ripe old age of 82 she is committed to this work. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives and is doing just that. People often ask her when she is going to retire. Her reply is always, “When I can’t crawl anymore.”
If only we could all be so giving as this woman. So often we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to brighten the lives of those around us. This time of year is tough for so many people. It is a time where we as a community have a unique opportunity to impact the lives of others. We may not be able to give monetarily, but there are so many other ways that we can help those around us. Stopping in at a nursing home or volunteering your time at your local homeless shelter are great ways to serve, that cost literally nothing. Your time is valuable, but that is what makes the experience so special. Even though your own life is busy and full of chaos, you have chosen to take the time to reach out to others who are far less fortunate than you.
Sometimes as single mothers we forget that others have it worse than we do. While being a single mother is hard, you do have a roof over your head and food on the table. There are plenty of other families that don’t. Take time to give of yourself and make their lives a little better. You never know what a smile and a helping hand might mean to them.