American Unitarian Conference Forum

So I realized between getting my play ready for a reading and dealing with some personal business, I had been neglecting the volunteer work I had committed to doing for AUC.  So I got up this morning and formatted 50 pages of 19th Century Unitarian text.  

No, I'm not looking for applause here.  I'm sure folks like David and Nathan do more than that every week.

But it made me realize that a weakness of my life was that I hadn't done any volunteer work for a long time.  I think it's a key to leading a rich, balanced, life.  Just doing that 90 minutes of work this morning made me realize I had that void in my life.

Anyone on this board do regular volunteer work?  Does it improve the quality of your life?  Does it give you spiritual insights?  If so, how?  I'm curious.  

When I was in a UUA church, one thing I liked was the encouragement and opportunities for volunteer work.  I left that church because I felt it was as dogmatic as a fundamentalist church.  But I missed the good elements, such as the encouragement to volunteer.

Regards,

Jason Ford

Hi Jason,

I have found that such work creates opportunities for personal / professional growth...learning new skills..often self taught..that can help in unrelated endeavors. Plus, the sense of accomplishment and contribution on behalf of an organization you support is rewarding. I have completed similar work and have muttered something about working on an article as well...hopefully, I can get an article researched and written up in the next couple of months.

Most of my life is volunteer work. I own a business that requires only a few hours of my week. (Although lately is is not paying the bills and I may need to give it up)

I spend around 50 hours a week working voluntarily for URF and another secular association.

Spiritual insights? Yes, if not for the cause, and the results, it would not be worthwhile. I derive a sense of purpose from it and I am lucky to have enjoyed a life in monastic contemplation.

But the mundane world calls. I do have three kids at home and right now I have no heat . Its time for some changes. So I anticipate less volunteer time in my future. But I hope the lack of time only makes me cherish what little time I do have to give.

Kenn

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Added by Kenn:

Hello all. This was not intended as a cry for help, as I explained to those who were nice enough to private message, I was probably frustrated as I wrote this. I was sitting in a very cold room in our 300 year old stone house. We have not been able to invest in oil for the furnace yet this year. (business was very bad) But we are getting along just fine, even if a bit chilly. Its not life-threatening. My business works in seasons and this is a particularly down season. It should improve.

It so happens that I have spent my weekend feeling a bit regretful for having given so much of my time to volunteerism and not taking appropriate action to make more money. So I figured I would share a lesson.

In truth, I know I made appropriate decisions and this is just a test which I will endure.

Blessings.

Thanks.

Great job, Jason. Bravo!