Guest Blogger: Erica Madden
Last Saturday, our VolunSTARS sat together planning and plotting out the next six days we would spend with people we had yet to meet. We deemed the week “Love Week,” a time to share our individual gifts and talents, serve beautiful people, and above all, love on each of them. What you sometimes don’t expect, especially if you are a first-time VolunSTAR, is just how much love you will RECEIVE this week.
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” — Maya Angelou
You see, love works both ways. In life, how often do you find it hard to ask for help or RECEIVE a gift from someone else? We want to believe we can do it all on our own. We don’t need anyone’s praise. We don’t need assistance with a project at work or help with an active child with a case of the terrible twos. When we choose to RECEIVE, we have to be vulnerable about our lives. We have to let others in on the good, the messy, the happy, the sad.
“Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued — when they can give and receive without judgment.” — Brene Brown
But here’s the thing … how do you feel when you GIVE a gift to someone you love or even a perfect stranger? When you experience the smiles on their faces, happy tears in their eyes, uninhibited laughter, tight hugs … those are true gifts.
“We may run, walk, stumble, drive or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.” — Gloria Gaither
As much as I hate to see Friday of retreat week arrive, I love to see the changes in our new extended family. Our Little Pink mantra — Live Stronger, Laugh Harder, Love Deeper — is so visibly present in every family member and every VolunSTAR. Shoulders are so relaxed. Smiles are so broad. Kids gather in groups to laugh and play. The atmosphere is so festive, so full of love — given and received.
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” — Mother Teresa
Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for receiving our love and sharing your journey. Until next time, enjoy the big moments that are the tiny moments.