Reflection #33 Higher Aspirations
There is more value in a little study of humility and a single act of it than in all the knowledge in the world. –Teresa of Avila
When considering what one should do with their life Frederick Buechner, author and philosopher, wrote that it’s, “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” I find myself standing at this cross-point between pondering and action. The questions is, “Is it time to embrace this?” “How do I know when it is time to move, to act?” “What might I do to make a difference in someone else’s life?” “How do I pay attention to my inner yearnings even as I open myself to the many needs.”
Retirement affords more time for friendships and hobbies—and also more time to volunteer in ways that will help others. We have time rather than money and we identify causes where we can give of ourselves. Surplus resources include time, labor, experience, and enthusiasm. Some are fortunate to have finances to share. These philanthropists take great pleasure in helping others. Similarly, we who volunteer and give our time to important causes report these activities as among the most satisfying of our life experiences. We too are philanthropists, acknowledging the value of our contributed time, talent, and energy.
The desire to find some useful work seems basic to me. Work brings meaning to our lives, even as it changes over time. In these encore years, I want to feel useful without feeling “used”. For me, this means taking on direct, hands-on service. In the last few months, I’ve tried various volunteer opportunities. I worked half a day on the assembly line at the Community Food Bank packing twenty-pound boxes of donated meat. Then I signed up to accompany food recipients shopping in the food Market Place where I interact one-on-one. I find satisfaction in picking up trash during my weekly two-mile walk up and down the main boulevard. It also meant collecting over 100 jump ropes to pack and lug to Rwanda and helping plan and implement a remembrance tree planting at the local green burial park.
I’ve found that I welcome and need people in my life – to feel useful, and to take part in the greater community. Working alongside others, in even seemingly simple tasks, reminds me of my interdependence with all people. It puts me in the place of solving practical problems together for a common purpose. When I attend, pitch in, and go the extra mile I learn to not only tolerate others' imperfections but also acknowledge my own.
Everyone has something to give to someone. Whatever our abilities, let’s offer them.
Now it’s your turn.
Take time to reflect and if in a group, share as you feel able.
When considering what I should do with my life I am:
a) standing at the cross-point between pondering and action.
b) paying attention to my inner yearnings even as I open myself to the many needs.
c) volunteering and giving my time to important causes.
d) acknowledging the value of my contributed time, talent, and energy.