Today charitable
organizations across the United States and globally celebrate Giving
Tuesday. The day is dedicated to
contributing resources and funds to support good works. This day also means that my Facebook feed is
flooded with kindhearted pleas from the community to make financial gifts. At
this point in my life there’s not too much extra income to give. Nonetheless, each of us can always give for good!
Words of Care
I’ve made a general
rule: try to write a “Julie note” a day. These notes are
intentional messages of care that let others know they matter. This
practice keeps me grounded in hope --- understanding that others might need
encouragement and care as much as I do.
I’ve believed for a long time that the
way we use our words might be among our greatest gifts. As a writer, I want my words to be perfect---
to reach someone’s heart in just the right way. Often before I write Julie notes the outline sketched in my head is flawless. Then, I sit
down to write ---- the flawless words become imperfect and my eyes fill with
tears as I recognize why this person matters to me in that moment. Truthfully, writing has taught me that
perfect words might not exist. Yet, I write anyway because in each written
word (and spoken word) I strive to give
away a little of my strength, love and encouragement. Writing gives me a chance to say, Thanks for being you and hopefully it
allows the recipient of the note to understand that they are part of the reason
for my hope. So if you want to give
today perhaps, writing a note of care to the staff of your favorite charity is
a start. Words of encouragement written from the heart are a meaningful way to
give for good!
Intentional Time & Connection
As a perspective
teacher, I LOVE to give to
organizations that support education. Still, most of what I give is time. As charities mention that generous donors
will match donations given to a certain dollar amount I am puzzled. The time I spend giving won’t ever be matched
because the way I give (or you) give is different from the way anyone else will
ever be able to give because each of us has a special gift. So, instead
I must make my time count! Often this means reading or simply talking
with children. Recently, I was talking
with a student when she said, Hey Miss Julie, Where is your watch that counts
how many steps you walk each day?” It’s
in a drawer at home. I lost the charger.”
Well she said, “I remember from a long time ago.” As a volunteer, I was shocked. This youngster
had remembered my watch could count my steps and created a memory around the
idea that we both like to play or exercise whichever you prefer! It was such a special moment for me as I
remembered that students (and older folks) generally, appreciate the ways that
you show up to love, listen, and share with them! So, if you want to give today perhaps, time
well spent to listen to a child, family member, or a friend is a start. Listening to others is an opportunity to
create connection. If you want to
connect to a common cause you could also consider committing time to your
favorite charity. The first non-
profit internship I ever took the executive director shared these unforgettable
words of wisdom: “Most people forget
that in the non profit world, volunteers are the hands, heart, and feet behind
the operation.” Connecting with others through
service is a meaningful way to give for good!
A Final Word on Giving
I find that serving
students is a fulfilling way to accomplish my dream of becoming a teacher. It’s
a unique way for me to TELL (Teach, Encourage, Listen & Love) students that
they matter! Furthermore; it allows me to develop my identity as a teacher,
leader, and a thinker. Service gives my
life purpose. This means that all of the ways I give come
from my heart. Heartfelt giving is the
greatest way to give.
In the end, the best way for me to explain
giving is this. Giving to others is simply a chance to remember
the BEST and MOST PERFECT experiences of
my life and then to do everything with my words and resources to recreate that same sense of
JOY for the community where I serve.
Together with hearts
of intentional joy & gratitude we can all give for good!
With a joyful heart,
Julie
Ps . Give for good is the official hashtag of Giving Tuesday. It's not my original phrase & you can learn more about the TELL organization from other blog posts.
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