Assertion**In Giving I connect with others

Isabel Allende wrote an essay on thisibelieve.org on how she connects with others and the divine through giving. Allende's daughter had dedicated her entire life to serving others and after her death, Allende began to do the same. I really enjoy serving, too, and try to serve others whenever I am able to. Giving and serving are ways to grow as a person and they end up being just as beneficial for the giver as it is for the receiver.

Service has a close place in my heart. My dedication to serving began when I was in middle school, particularly being intensified during my eighth grade year. I had always liked to help other people, but had not looked for opportunities to do so on a regular basis. Things changed in my eighth grade year, though, when I signed up to participate in a mission trip with my church. Before the trip, we were required to do two service projects on our own along with dedicating an entire day to serve in groups form the church. I began to volunteer to assist some of the young children at our church and found their enthusiasm and free spirits incredibly refreshing. I went on to work with children for an entire week in Charleston at the mission trip that summer. These children were from the inner city and did not receive very much care or affection. By supporting them that week, I bonded with those children in such an incredible way that by the last day we were all in tears. When a child or anyone is in need, the love, compassion, assistance, and/or care you provide them with is so greatly appreciated.

Since that mission trip, I avidly look for opportunities to serve my community in between the mission trips I participate in every summer. I have organized food drives, served at local food banks, visited assisted living homes, participated in Church service days, worked at Vacation Bible School, and visited Alzheimer's homes. Service and giving has given me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It has also helped me in my faith my sharing all the blessings the Lord has given me with others. I am fulfilling the call the Lord has proclaimed to us and am personally rewarded, too. The rewards received through service and giving are indescribable and will surely influence your life in an amazing way.


from: http://thisibelieve.org/essay/11/