Yesterday I did my first stint as a Client Facilitator for the AARP Tax-Wise Program which assists senior citizens and low income individuals with their taxes. For five of the six years prior, I've actually prepared the taxes, but this year my time was limited and I couldn't attend tax class and become certified.
Strangely enough I liked the Client Facilitator (CF) position even more than tax preparation because it allowed me more contact with the clientele. As one of the CFs checking over their information to ensure they were indeed ready to submit their taxes, it meant contact with more individuals than just preparing taxes for maybe three.
During this process, I meant some of the most amazing people. One woman, a former resident, had driven from another city more than 30 miles away. When she mentioned being in hospice, it was a total shock. Why? Because her attitude was both pragmatic AND optimistic.
It occurred to me later that optimism is a gift - a gift given to those who believe if they truly embrace their faith. While none of us really know how we would react to end of life issues if they were known, it's comforting to see that our faith could give us the optimism (aka hope) to see us through.
It's also a gift to volunteer. My personal optimism comes from knowing I have value. There may be some things I can no longer do, but there are so many things that I can do. And what I can do will benefit others. That's a true value God has given us - the power and the opportunity to make this world a better place, not just for ourselves, but for our fellowman.
No comments:
Post a Comment