Difference Makers

Yesterday was the official "Make a Difference Day" around here and, well, every where across the nation, I believe.

The day provides a great opportunity for volunteers to lend a hand – especially to those who physically or financially can't do for themselves. I know there were a lot of leaves being raked up and probably some trash picked up, too. And a lot of young people were doing the work – either seeking volunteer hours for school or doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

Just think what the world would be like if we were Making a Difference every day instead of once a year. Then it might just become second nature, like it does for a cross country runner we witnessed making a difference Saturday.

While we Assumption parents and runners were celebrating the news of our trip to state, down the hill below the Division 1 girls were just finishing their race. For some reason, we all turned to watch. And that's when we saw it.

A runner from one school was practically carrying a girl from another school who either passed out or got injured close to the final stretch that leads to the finish line. This was a sectional race. If a runner was delayed in any way – like stopping to help a stranger – she was throwing away any chance of advancing to state. Either the healthy runner knew she was out of contention already.

Or she knew that helping the other girl was simply what a Christian should do – no matter the circumstance.

It was heartwarming to see. The injured girl was near collapse, but the other girl would not let her go down. She almost had to drag her along but she was determined they both would cross that finish line. No matter what their time was.

There was much applause and, if other spectators were like me, a few goosebumps and a lump in my throat. All of us there knew the significance of the race that day. The significance of each lost second. We all knew the significance of her actions, too.

So did God.

During the sermon in church this morning, our guest pastor coincidentally was asking us what we have done that makes us worth saving? We are fortunate that we are saved by grace and do not have to prove ourselves. However, that doesn't mean we can be complacent, only "working" our faith one day a year.

Think about that the next time a friend, loved one or even a stranger stumbles next to you – whether physically, spiritually or emotionally. Are we willing to take our eye off the prize and be content with a different kind of reward?

I, for one, think it is worth it to make the effort to make a difference. No matter what day it is.

I'm willing to give it a try. Are you?

Make A Difference

Today is Make A Difference Day. This is always a good opportunity to do something to make a difference in your community -- or just in someone's life -- through some volunteerism.

Carter and I took part in a project undertaken by the Assumption Middle School students and their parents. This year's focus was creating cloth bags that contain person hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, etc. These will be distributed to some organizations who help local families in need.

I said at the get-go that I did NOT have any sewing skills so they put both of us to work cutting cloth, meticulously threading string through the top of the bags, assembling the innards and typing up a little message on the computer. (See, I put my writing skills to work!)

Hubby, who is home safely from Vegas, dropped us off at 9 and is scheduled to pick us up at noon, right after he goes to an 11 a.m. funeral. We got done with our project earlier than planned so Carter and I got a ride to the library and are hanging out here a bit. We'll have to make the trek back to school in the pouring rain to meet up with Jim in a little bit. (Did I mention this one-vehicle business is a pain?)

After that, we'll stop at home to throw some Viking clothes in an overnight bag. Then we will head Up North to make a difference in my dad's life. He turns 83 today and, after a recent illness and just this week losing several friends who passed away, I think he just needs to feel alive and well and loved.

We are meeting up with hopefully most of my family at the Hog Wild in Luck. Now doesn't that sounds like a hootin' hollerin' good time for an 83rd birthday celebration? I bet it will be.

And if it can make a difference to my dad, then it's all worth it.

Make a difference

Saturday is Make a Difference Day -- a day that gets to the heart of volunteerism. A day of doing good.

In our area there will be groups available to rake yards for the elderly or home-bound and several events like "Soups for Hoops" that require canned-good donations to participate.

I think it's a great way to teach kids the importance of doing for others. And it's a good reminder for adults to shed our selfishness and think about someone else for a change. Make a difference in their lives if, when, where we can.

What will I be doing? Well, I will be joining many of the readers of this blog to make a difference in our dad's life. We will be unselfish and loving when we give him the best darn 80th birthday party a stubborn ol' Scandivanian could want! And we'll enjoy every minute of it! Doesn't it feel good to do for others?

Seriously, get out and do something or just make a call to tell someone you care. There are lots of ways to help Make a Difference. And we can do them every day.