I was involved in social service work for about 20 years. I worked at varying times during those years with people who were poor, with children, with adolescent boys, with pregnant teenage women, with people who had mental illness or physical disabilities, with inmates and with elderly people.
The bottom line for most, if not all, of these people is that they each had many needs. For the most part, nothing was simple in their life. Even simple things were often difficult, sometimes very difficult, to take care of and to do.
It seemed to me somewhere along the way that I could perhaps make more of a difference -- or at least a different type of difference -- for the good if I was deeply involved in the life of JUST ONE of these people.
I realize I am treading on thin ice here, but I want to suggest to you if --IF-- you are so inclined, and if --IF-- you have a bit of wherewithal, and if --IF-- you are not already stretched beyond measure with family and work and friends, and if --IF-- you want to do something important with your time...I want to suggest that you TOUCH ONE LIFE DEEPLY.
Please do not quickly assume that you, Joe or Suzie Person, cannot become involved to make a difference for the good in the life of ONE person. It is more accurate to assume that perhaps you can indeed! In this regard, it is often the simple things that make the most difference for the good -- phone calls every so often, surprise visits, watching TV together, going to a ballgame or fishing, walking the mall or the park, eating a pizza.
If the person you are concerned for receives social services, it may be important for you to watch those services and help discern if they are appropriate and provided in good fashion. You can become a watchful eye, a sounding board, of care and concern for what is in the person's best interest.
The person you are concerned for may in time meet some of your family and friends. Maybe -- maybe -- one or two of these will decide to also have some measure of care and concern for the person. Sometimes the more people who are concerned for the good of a person, the better the opportunity for good to actually happen.
I ask you to consider...I invite you...I Encourage You to TOUCH ONE LIFE DEEPLY. I am confident to think that should you do so, the life so deeply touched may very well -- ultimately -- be your own.
Please do not quickly assume that you, Joe or Suzie Person, cannot become involved to make a difference for the good in the life of ONE person. It is more accurate to assume that perhaps you can indeed! In this regard, it is often the simple things that make the most difference for the good -- phone calls every so often, surprise visits, watching TV together, going to a ballgame or fishing, walking the mall or the park, eating a pizza.
If the person you are concerned for receives social services, it may be important for you to watch those services and help discern if they are appropriate and provided in good fashion. You can become a watchful eye, a sounding board, of care and concern for what is in the person's best interest.
The person you are concerned for may in time meet some of your family and friends. Maybe -- maybe -- one or two of these will decide to also have some measure of care and concern for the person. Sometimes the more people who are concerned for the good of a person, the better the opportunity for good to actually happen.
I ask you to consider...I invite you...I Encourage You to TOUCH ONE LIFE DEEPLY. I am confident to think that should you do so, the life so deeply touched may very well -- ultimately -- be your own.
I am happy to help head you in this direction and support your efforts if you so desire. We can write back and forth to set you on the road.
Thanks and God Bless!
FJS