This belief often overextends my schedule, and sometimes it drives my husband nuts, but I couldn't imagine living any other way.
I can't sit back and expect "them" to do it. I am "them" - we all are.
I was raised by two people who hold this same philosophy, so it comes as no surprise that I am bringing my own children along side me as I volunteer. I want to show them the great importance of investing in our community. I want them to continue the legacy of change and progress and my hope is that they fall in love with their home and take pride in it. I believe we need to aim our children at the targets we want them to hit and being a productive member of society is one of those targets. I also believe our children should learn how to interact with people from all walks of life and various age groups and volunteering is a great way to accomplish this.
We live in a modest sized community that is rich in character and charm. I love living here and I hope to make it a better place for my family and others who call it home. I'm an adult advisor on the Mayor's Youth Task Force and one area of need we've identified is a family friendly complex with a splash pad, skate park, walking trails, etc. Just last week we secured 20+ acres of land that we hope to develop for this purpose. Today we held one of many fundraisers and I think it was a great success with hundreds of people coming out to participate.
I had my girls by my side almost all day and I'm so proud of their hard work and diligence for the cause; they're excited for a splash pad, which makes it easier to volunteer! It would have been nice to sit at home on this beautiful June day, but I know how much this complex means for our town and, more importantly, how vital this lesson is for my children. I hope they continue giving back and making a difference for the rest of their lives.
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| The kids getting the prizes ready for the games (and making sure all of them work properly...) |
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| After all their hard work they were able to enjoy some fun! |
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| Our little Charmer was a natural on the trampoline |
I am so proud of all my babies; they did a terrific job today helping with all the various activities that made the event a success. For many years you, your father, your siblings and spouses, my grand-babies, sisters, sister-in-laws, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends have jumped in to lend me a helping hand with all the events and activities that have been a part of my job, and life, for the past 24 years. I could not have done any of these events without all of your support and efforts. It is truly an amazing feeling to see all of my family and friends setting up tents, putting liners in trash cans, setting up games, and all the other things that is required to make an event work, but, it doesn’t stop there. When everyone is tired, sun-burnt, sore feet, aching all over – you are all still around at the end of the day, pulling trash bags, that are full, taking down tents, picking up trash, all the while laughing and joking amongst one another and talking about when are we having the next event. You are all incredible, with an amazing passion to do what is right – not just for Little Falls, but for those you love, which happens to be me. I have the most amazing family and friends in the world. You all do so much for me – thank you! I am blessed!
ReplyDeleteThank you for leading by example, Mom, and for making a difference in our community! We're lucky to have a mayor like you! :)
DeleteOh man, I've always wanted to get on one of those. Looks like so much fun & some valuable lessons here.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Wendy, the kids had a blast! The people who brought the trampoline to the event have a business about 30 miles away and I'd love to bring my girls there to spend more time on it and give it a try myself.
DeleteI feel the same way Gabe! If it weren't for people like us, who volunteer to help make change, there would BE NO CHANGE! Good job for getting the kids involved~ I do the same...I want my kids to have a giving heart and volunteer for things to help change the world for the better~ Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Bailey
Jennifer, I've always admired how quickly you step in and offer your help. You're a true asset to your community!
DeleteThis reminds me of church too. I think there's some statistic that shows a minority of the people do a majority of the work. We have this mindset that someone else will do it. But if everyone had that mindset, nothing would ever get done. If everyone pitches in, then no one will get overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteLove your philosophy on parenting and pointing your kids toward success.
You're absolutely right, Lindsay. I believe as the Body of Christ we're all called to play a vital role in our church. When one part of the body is missing or not functionaing properly, it puts a strain on the other parts and on the Body as a whole.
DeleteI feel incredibly blessed to have been raised by my parents. They taught me so much and continue to lead by example.
Love this post, Gabrielle--particularly because I work for an organization in which volunteers are vital. Way to teach your kids and lead by example!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, most organizations that are making a difference are dependent on volunteer help and I know how much they need it. I also know we can't be every where and do everything at once, but we can do something. I remember my dad saying to me when I was little: "You can't change the whole world, but you can make a difference in the spot you're standing in."
DeleteI don't do much in the way of community volunteering, people around here tend to dive in to whatever is needed. Hubs has coached hockey for 13 years and that is a second, full time job! My mission work is one of those volunteer things that takes months to prepare, 3 weeks to do, then a month or two for recovery. I have taken 320 short wave radios to the Andes, and those radios have brought the Gospel to 9600 Quechua Indians. Our radios have reached 900,000 people. I like what your dad said, and I'm proud to have been in some 'spots' that have had no one care about whoever else is there.
ReplyDeleteWhether we help who's next door, or across the world, we need to help!
Thank you, Jennifer - you made a good point that I didn't clarify - we're not all called to the same mission fields. Some are called to serve around the world, while others are called to serve their next door neighbors - but I believe we are all called to do something. How awesome that you've been called to distant mission fields - I've enjoyed reading about some of the places you've gone and the things you've been able to do to reach thousands with the Gospel! Good job, faithful servant!
DeleteGreat post, Gabrielle! I think it's wonderful what you are teaching your children...and living it out.
ReplyDeleteNice getting to know you!