Giving Hope

I learn something new every time I do my service work, and this is what I learned yesterday: At the Hope Lodge, and pretty much any place that does work for those in need, raising money is a huge deal. I've learned that you have to be a pretty creative person when you work at a nonprofit because you're always thinking about new fundraisers, ways to get the word out there, getting the people you help more encouraged, and so many other things. You are a man/woman of all trades, as opposed to doing one job each day. Every day is something new, and you never really know what is going to be demanded of you, but you have to be up for it and willing to give it your best whether you like it or not. For example, yesterday instead of visiting with the patients and doing my normal work I was asked to laminate a bunch of papers and tape them on signs for a the Walk for Life. Normally that job seems like it would be super boring, but because I knew what I was doing it for, and because the energy was so positive around me, it was pretty fun. When I was at the Hope Lodge yesterday the directors were all discussing how much their job keeps them grounded; it is a constant reminder to always be grateful for what you have, life can always be worse. There is always something to be thankful for, and there are always people who can use your gifts for something good.