Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Time For Reflection

sunset (1 of 1)

As the year draws to a close, it causes me to reflect on the blessings received this past year.  The year offered many opportunities, but the ones that I am most thankful for are those that allowed me to serve others.   I have finally come to the realization that my acts of service will not save the world.  Such work is best left to the young; my actions, at best shine a little light into the darkness of someone’s day.  Heck, that’s not so bad!

During the past year, I volunteered a couple of hours each week at our local food pantry restocking the shelves.  The job requires less of the mind, but a strong back is most helpful.  I arrive hours before the pantry opens it’s doors for distribution so I never see those who receive the food.  My reward for a job well done is to return a few day later to restock and replenish the nearly barren shelves.  The cycle seldom changes!

I also had the opportunity to serve home-bound senior citizens by delivering for meals on wheels.  Once again it’s a very simple task, you arrive at a person’s house and hand them a meal.  Sometimes they complain because you are either early or late but then you can never please everyone!  I am especially thankful for Mrs. Smith, she knows me only by the sound of my voice because she is totally blind.   Despite this, she never fails to greet me with a smile and kind words of thanks.  Her smile is better than any pay check I ever earned.

Finally, I was thrilled to serve at the maritime museum as a docent; during the past year, I hosted seventy-one tours which included numerous children’s educational programs.  The opportunity for service allowed me to meet people who visited from forty-six of our United States.  It never ceases to amaze from how far and wide people travel to visit our little  corner of the world.  I am also honored and very grateful for three of my fellow docents:  Mr. Ed, Carol, and Marianne.  Together, these guys made serving at the museum a real blast!

As I sit and reflect, I eagerly await the opportunities that 2011 will bring.

15 comments:

Anita Jesse said...

A beautiful photo to accompany a thoughtful and inspiring piece.

JoeinVegas said...

Thank you for volunteering as you do.

Steve Skinner said...

Thanks Anita and Joe!

monstev said...

Sounds like a good year and hope the coming one is just as good for you.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful photo along with a beautiful story.
Reminds me of the song: "If Everyone Lit Just One Little Candle."

Happy New Year ! May you have many more memories to reflect on in 2011.

Swampy

Steve Skinner said...

Thanks Swampy and Monte!

Earl said...

Steve, a very successful year no matter how you measure it. Your efforts and selfless giving has enriched many others. I hope the coming new year has many wonderful moments for you. Lovely photo!

Steve Skinner said...

Thanks Earl! It's really true that when you give you also receive.

Ralph said...

Hats off to you for making a difference for yourself and for the people you serve. Some of the most significant things that we can do are simple and human.

Steve Skinner said...

Thanks Ralph!

Deanna said...

Lovely photo and an amazing 2010 you had. I'll bet you have grown in ways you didn't know was possible through your volunteering. Can't wait to see what 2011 holds for everyone. Am praying for the best for all.

Steve Skinner said...

Thanks Deanna, me too!

Pamela said...

Yes... you can change the world. What you do changes something --
kind of like that butterfly wing theory.

Steve Skinner said...

Pamela, I guess that you are right!

Ed said...

Now thats a great sunset pic..:-)