Loneliness can be very debilitating. What are some ways you can show others that they are not alone? How is God calling you to be part of someone else’s life?One of my earliest volunteering experiences stands out as an event that engaged me intellectually and morally. My mother used to work for the senior housing buildings in my town, and on Thanksgiving, when I was in sixth grade, it was her job to deliver turkey dinners to homebound seniors. My sister and I went along with her, and we delivered food to the elderly, who were incredibly grateful for both the dinners and our company. Many of the seniors told us how rarely they received visitors and how they were, therefore, frequently lonely. They loved having the simple opportunity to talk to us and tell us stories about their lives.
This experience taught me the value of service to others at a young age. I also became aware of the importance of personal interaction for all people. There are many people who do not receive the contact with others they need. Because of the example my parents gave me, I know how important it is to give even a little bit of time to show others that they are noticed and loved.
I love the personal interaction that service allows. So much of communication in today’s world can be done through solitary means—like texting and instant messaging—that I appreciate the opportunities that community service provides for direct conversations with other people. It amazes me how much joy is brought to people simply by conversing with them and showing them that you care about them. I absolutely love seeing the look of profound appreciation when people in need are being assisted by others. Whether it be chatting with one of these senior housing residents, cheering on a runner at the Special Olympics, or doing landscaping for a homebound person, the ability to communicate with and show love toward people is a blessing. Their happiness and thankfulness fills me with excitement and compels me to do more.
—Owen
Loneliness can be very debilitating. What are some ways you can show others that they are not alone? How is God calling you to be part of someone else’s life?
This story speaks about solitary tasks such as texting and instant messages, but even these can be ways of witnessing to Christ. How can you use social media to accompany others in the way Jesus would want you to do?