Day 8 - The Heart of a Volunteer

"Nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer." Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle

There is a place in Dallas every Tuesday where young adults gather. Couches, a coffee shop, a great band, and a good speaker are just part of the package. In this building every week, lives are changed.

We call it The Porch.

While this event officially begins at 7 pm, a small group of people meet beforehand to prepare. Many of these people come straight from work, braving traffic, skipping dinner, leaving work early so that they can  welcome anyone and everyone who enters.

As a combination of 5 teams, these volunteers work together every week to go above and beyond what is necessary. No one gets paid. Each team has a job. Each member of each team has a part to play.

Why would they do this?

© Brandon Heath

Short answer? Because they have a heart for people. Because they love the Lord. Because they have hearts to serve and help others. Each one has the heart of a volunteer.

They would never brag about this, nor is this post meant to do so. Today, I am thankful for their hearts. A volunteer is distinct from those who simply follow orders. While some serve out of a sense of obligation, a volunteer CHOOSES to work hard and serve.

Every week, I leave The Porch encouraged because of these people. I'm always humbled, and I'm always challenged. I'm thankful for those who bear the heart of a volunteer, and I pray the closer I grow to the Lord, the more I develop that heart.

 "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:3-5

It's the beginning of week 2 of being thankful this month. How are ya doin'? What are you thankful for today?