Once upon a time I was called in a ward to be a service outreach coordinator for the Relief Society. I was asked to organize monthly service projects which excited me beyond belief, but was given pretty tight restrictions. We weren’t allowed to spend money or ask for donations, it had to be close to our own community (a wealthy suburb), etc. I felt defeated before I even started. It never really got off the ground because I couldn’t see a way through these boundaries nor muster the confidence to push them.
But others in my same shoes have been able to go beyond what was asked of them and accomplish some really great things. My former ward is a shining example of just that. Starting from a little idea by the activities committee to use the Christmas party money from every auxiliary to fund a service project, they were able to significantly make over a camp used for children with disabilities, challenges and serious illnesses. Two ward members reported to the Church News:
“. . . after several false starts in finding the right project, what began as just a couple of hours of making toys for the local children’s hospital turned into what one stake high councilor called the most ‘huge and daunting’ project a ward could possibly take on.”
According to their reports, though the camp was an hour and half drive away, more than 280 people traveled to work 4,000 hours collectively on a Saturday in December as well as solicited and offered donations of materials, supplies and food for the camp totaling more than $10,000.
This time of year draws out the best of us. My children are going to my neighbor’s to make cookies for our local fire and police departments. My parents request a service project from each of their children (for someone else) in lieu of a gift. I believe charity can be as small as taking the time to really see someone and as big as our imaginations can dream. But my own charitable giving in time and in resources could use more of is this daring to push outside a comfort zone to find something meaningful.
What I love about this story is that they didn’t have the perfect service project when they had the idea. It started as a little idea and grew as much as they dared to dream and work. There were probably a few boundaries pushed. But amazing results were achieved.
I think I’ll keep them in my heart this year as I plan my own ways to reach out. They’ve given new meaning to a song I’ve sung my whole life:
Camp Twin Lake
Dare to do right,
Dare to be true,
You have a work that no other can do.
Do it so bravely, so kindly, so well,
Angels will hasten the story to tell.
This is inspiring. Thinking about this in terms of Laurie’s post from yesterday, is bringing up a lot of questions for me. What do I have to offer and where can I push through seeming limitations to make more of an offering to the world. Thanks for sharing Mel.
This is so great, Mel. I can totally relate to being paralyzed by restrictions/constraints and therefore doing nothing–or barely anything. This is a great reminder to push harder when we feel like we hit those roadblocks.
“I felt defeated before I even started. It never really got off the ground because I couldn’t see a way through these boundaries nor muster the confidence to push them.”
It’s like they gave you a job and then hacked off a hand and a foot. I wonder what the RS sisters of a century ago would say. They founded hospitals, fought for women’s suffrage, lobbied congress for higher milk quality requirements, and established homes for troubled girls. I wonder what today’s average priesthood leader would say to the early stages of their service projects.
Despite the limitations placed before you I still want to believe in miracles. You make me want to break out of a particular box I’m stuck in. I like the Dare anthem. It does take courage to do what is right and be true to yourself!
@Hinged – I agree that a little more latitude could have gone a long way for me, but I think my own lack of confidence was my greatest downfall. What I admire about this story is that they were willing to keep daring until they found something meaningful. They didn’t stop at the easy projects. I like to think that if I had the perfect project, I would have pushed the boundaries with the powers that be, but what I lacked was the ability to see an imperfect project grow into a perfect one.
And you have nailed exactly how I’m thinking about the song – dare to be true to yourself, your own vision.
@Heidi – I’m glad you brought Laurie’s post in. Those times I’ve felt I’d made an offer that was true to me, the kind she describes so brilliantly, I haven’t worried about limitations. For instance, those leaving their coins, or barrettes did not worry that it wasn’t enough, that it wasn’t the same type of offering others left.
@Heather – thanks. This ward was by far the most talented group of people I’ve ever been associated with. I am so happy they got this done!
I don’t think they sing that song anymore!