Two years ago, in the summer of 2015, one of Cheryl’s assistants, Denise Dietz, shared from her heart the experience she had with CPO. These words could have been written by countless volunteers at CPO and tells how CPO has continued to grow and thrive as a 100% volunteer organization.
Have you ever felt an itch in your heart to do something meaningful? Making a difference seems to be somewhere in the hierarchy of basic human needs. Amidst the ho-hum of my everyday life, I’ve stumbled upon a very satisfying component to living life more fully. I say “stumbled” because what initially brought me to the opportunity was an obligation to fulfill volunteer service hours for our adoption with Crisis Pregnancy Outreach (CPO).
Those initial steps lead me down the road of happiness. My service hours involved answering phones, giving rides to appointments, most often with people living in neighborhoods I would other wise avoid, or taking a meal/food to someone in need. These steps lead to bigger steps where I began helping women in crisis develop plans to work through difficult circumstances in their life. I quickly learned to assemble teams of support for them and identify resources that would empower their decisions. Something happened as I stepped away from my posh life and into this circle. A richness grew in my heart.
The challenges faced, victories won, and pure messiness drew me to love, charish, and admire them. By being there, they validated my existence in ways I’d never considered worthy of being. Each year as I facilitate a Christmas Giving Opportunity for others to join the mission of brightening spirits during Christmas, I hear countless reports of this phenomenon in action. As miraculous provisions flood the lives of those in need, the givers and those serving are experiencing an even great joy in being a part of what’s happening thereby, making their Christmas the most meaningful. It’s richness, packed with the substance of pure love!!!
Love. The power that motivates us to reach beyond limitations and step into dark places and cross great human divides. Love in action radically puts change in motion. Its impact is felt on every dimension; those giving it, those receiving it, and those standing by.
It’s no wonder that in all the profound truths God entrusts to us in the Bible, He puts exceptional emphasis on one being greater than all others. When asked by the Pharisees which is the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses, Jesus replied, “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37-40 ESV.
That scratch, I suspect is from God to move us closer to an abundant life. May was intended to be a Valentine’s Day message become a morsel of life you devour each and every day. Your sweet spot will be satisfied continually. Much love to you beloved friends.