Matthew
5:14-16 You
are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do
people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives
light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in
heaven.
Volunteering
has proven to be a benefit to physical and mental health. Numerous studies
report that volunteering improves the health of those who give of themselves.
This is good news for those who work with volunteers in their organizations.
Volunteers come in different ages, genders, backgrounds, hobbies and more. The
diversity adds to the uniqueness of the organization.
Volunteering
can increase self-confidence. Working to help others gives satisfaction to the
giver, building confidence in themselves and their ability to influence the
lives of others. Such work provides a sense of accomplishment, a sense of
healthy pride and identity. For those who are retired, widowed or disabled, an
appropriate volunteer position can bring a new start to their lives.
Volunteering
fights against depression. Social isolation can be demoralizing and unhealthy.
Volunteering brings new people into their life and provides regular contact and
interaction with others. Others become a new support system. Stress and
depression recede as people become more interactive, building new friendships
and relationships.
Depending
on the volunteer position, you can count on some added activity and movement in
your life. Physical movement and activity is good for your health. Studies have
found that those how volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do
not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants.
Volunteering also lessens the symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.
