Creating Fullness of Life

Our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.  -Franklin Delano Roosevelt

     One of the hardest things for me during layoffs was the lack of structure in my life. I woke up with nowhere to be and wide open day to fill, without someone to do that for me. I missed belonging somewhere. I felt left behind as others went off to work where they were needed.  So I learned to fill my life with structure, activity and people, to provide what was missing. I learned to keep my life full after loss.

     Naturally, my first priority was the job search.  One summer, I interviewed for a job I really wanted.  I was told they were seriously interested in me but the final decision would take time. That was good news! I knew from experience I needed to keep looking, as well as stay involved with people while I waited.  This would help me feel like I belonged.  It would help me create fullness in my life.

     Instead of filling my days with TV shows, waiting for the phone to ring, and constantly checking e-mail, I found an opportunity to teach at a kids’ camp. My days were instantly filled as there were many preparations needed.  I kept searching for jobs in the morning, but I started work on the teaching program in the afternoons. 

Too often man handles life as he does bad weather.  He whiles away the time as he waits for it to stop.  - Alfred Polgar

     Tamara was the teenager assigned to help me. This was her first time at the month- long teen camp.  She was quite shy and spoke few words. Yet she often smiled and was eager and reliable. I really enjoyed her company. We had a great week putting on drama skits for the kids. Yet, I had no idea she was bearing a great burden, until our last day together.

     We sat together to reflect on our week, when she opened up.  She tearfully shared how much the experience meant to her. She had tasted what it was like to have a safe place to feel included, and how much fun it was to work with kids.  Now as it came to a close, she told me of her broken home life. She was afraid to go home. Her mother worked two jobs and was rarely there. Her uncle lived with them and would share his drugs with her.

     Tamara had gone the entire camp without using drugs.  Now she was afraid she would start again.  She didn’t know how her uncle would respond if she said no to him. Probably, she confessed, she would start again to keep him happy. The longing to belong can take us in many directions.

One minute we were celebrating, both having enjoyed belonging through service. The next minute came this precious opportunity for me to speak into the life of a troubled teen.

Kind words do not cost much…Yet they accomplish much.  - Blaise Pascal

     I used activity and structure to create fullness of life for my need. It was through ministering to Tamara that day I also felt fullness in my heart.

What you keep to yourself you lose, what you give away, you keep forever. - Munthe

Thanks for reading this inspiration, and for all your comments on previous articles. To share a comment with the community, which helps us all, just click the orange button below. I appreciate the feedback, and I will address your comments in future Inspirations as well as in the upcoming program Get a Job Tools. 

Have a great week.