I really started to think about this over the last few years while working in retail. The holidays create more stress over time and money when they should be creating a time of thankfulness, a time with family and friends, a time of celebration, and a time of love. Last year, I decided not to take November and December for granted, I decided to remember how thankful I was for what I have, because so many people don't have the money to stress over, the family to worry about buying for, or the relationships to enjoy. I wanted to give back, and found numerous ways to do so. In the end I chose to go through my work.
As Voluntears at the Orange County Food Bank, we were asked to fill boxes with healthy food items for the local less fortunate single mothers, children, and seniors. As the morning began, we met Andre who introduced us the organization and gave us a background of what happens at the warehouse and to whom the boxes go. We then split into two self-lead groups. The leaders (who were informed by Andre of what to do) helped to delegate the positions of the assembly lines. We were given two hours to fill as many boxes as possible; in the end, both teams were quite successful.
While completing the simple physical task, there were several lessons learned. Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork was lesson number one. As I was filling each box with two cans of peas, I could not help but think about the amazing people I was surrounded by. When I missed a box, they reminded me; when someone else missed a box, I reminded them. The entire two hours were filled with singing, laughter, and hard work. Lesson number two was appreciating the work we were doing so that we did it wholeheartedly. Knowing where the boxes were going and how each of us could relate to the activity allowed us to put all of our greatest efforts into it so that we could create the best outcome possible.
Events like these remind me how blessed I am to even have the opportunity to participate in all the other aspects of my life. Instead of complaining about how tired I am because I have too much to do, or how much I just want to relax, I should be truly appreciating the fact that my life is not completely focused on how I am going to get my next meal, or how I will make rent. Above all else, I need to use my time wisely so that I can use what gifts and blessings I have been given to better the lives of those around me who are in need.
So this year, before I get too far into the hustle and bustle that I have come to know as Christmas, I will remember just why I get to hustle and bustle in the first place.
