For years, I’ve been the mom who drops off her child for classes and either runs errands or waits in the car to read and rest. Then one day while waiting in the parking lot for my daughter to finish her class, I decided to pray for more Christians to teach classes at our local Homeschool Resource Center. After praying, I felt God impress on my heart to teach and help out.
I may have acted impulsively, but I went right into the school that afternoon and offered to teach a Literature class and an introduction to sewing class. Although I wasn’t sure how it would go, I grew to enjoy connecting with the students, expressing my creativity, and learning about our homeschool community. The positive feedback gave me satisfaction.
Consider Volunteering
Volunteering at your children’s school, sports clubs, or Sunday school is a great way to be present in their lives, gain insight into their experiences, and build relationships with their educators, peers, and families.
Would you like to volunteer your time and skills to help your community? You can consider spending 1-2 hours of your week at your local church, non-profit organization, pregnancy center, child’s school, or library. If you are a retired teacher or a veteran homeschool mom, the homeschool community could benefit from your expertise and support. With the recent surge in homeschooling, they could use all the help they can get. Discover how you can make a difference and offer your assistance.
Engaging in volunteer work during your later years can be a fulfilling use of your time, with the added benefit of being able to select your preferred hours. Even if you have reasons such as frequent travel or medical appointments, you can still make a difference. Any amount of assistance, no matter how small, to a non-profit organization is better than none at all. Therefore, don’t hesitate to offer what you can, regardless of the amount.
It reminds me of a story in the Bible:
There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated.
So also the fish, as much as they wanted. John 6:9-11 ESV
It’s not the little boy but Jesus who multiplied his small lunch to feed thousands. The boy just gave what he had. That’s what Jesus wants from us too.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering is a mutually beneficial experience for the volunteer and the organization they are helping. Here are some of the benefits of volunteering:
- Building new friendships
- Utilizing your unique talents and skills
- Getting to know an organization, school, or church on a deeper level
- Receiving tax deductions for your volunteer work, such as gas mileage at a rate of $0.14 per mile in 2023, unreimbursed expenses like paper, stamps, ink, meals, and even airfare
- Feeling a sense of satisfaction from making a positive impact on people’s lives.
When volunteering, your presence is crucial. Whether it’s at a church, school, pregnancy center, senior center, or food bank, being there physically makes a difference. Always approach your volunteer work with a humble and helpful attitude. It’s easy to spot areas that could be improved within any organization, but it’s important to remember that they are run by people who are also learning and growing. In the end, we are all on a journey of learning.
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness,
with patience, bearing with one another in love,
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
Never too late
It’s never too late to offer your time as a volunteer. No social need is too great for you to make a difference. Just communicate clearly with the director or administrator about the resources you have available to offer. Consider what you can contribute, even if it seems small – like the boy who had five loaves of bread and two fish. Can you spare two hours each week to help out at a school, senior center, or non-profit? Let them know, and trust that your efforts will make a meaningful impact.
I feel a strong urge to share my thoughts on volunteering with my readers. I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but it might be something worth considering.
What are your thoughts on volunteering, I’d love to hear your comments below.
How can I pray for you? Please reach out to me on my Prayer Form. Consider subscribing to these bimonthly topics and my prayer blogs. I pray they will be an encouragement to you.
Other Homeschool Blogs
My Heart’s Cry and Career Homemakers
Homeschooling: An ungrateful student
Homeschooling: Without Regrets
The Homeschool Option