Have I done any good in the world today?

I am getting ready for my 4th trip to Mexico next month with Builders without Borders.  These amazing experiences have blessed my life in abundance.  There are all the ways you would imagine; a greater appreciation for the opportunities and freedoms I have in America, time for my teenagers to feel the joy of serving, life-long friends and the chance to experience another culture in a completely different way than a vacation, etc.

Greater visibility in my business community and and an increase in production have been a side perk that I can't ignore.  Of course, that was not the reason to volunteer, but I would be blind not to see the benefit that comes to my business from volunteer work.  I have done a couple of loans for other volunteers and because of my work on the fund raising committee, I have been able to get to know more people and interact on a deeper level with those in my area.

I have also found that people seem to have a greater respect for those that serve in this type of capacity, often because they want to do something similar but may not able to at this time for a variety of reasons. 

Volunteering doesn't have to be a week-long trip to another country.  Find something that is close to your heart or if you don't know what you want to do, try a website like volunteermatch.org or volunteer.gov.  You can do something as simple as a food drive or Secret Santa for a needy family.  

I feel very blessed to live in this country and work in this profession and would feel remiss if I didn't find a way to do a little good in the world. 

Silvia and Damen and their family... our job site family two years ago.  My daughter fell in love with their kiddos and was so grateful to be part of this building project.

This 10x20 home was built for Carlotta, who had been living in the shack to the right with only an outhouse for a restroom.  What a wonderful experience it was building for this sweet grandma.

 

Silvia & Damen's home.  My red-headed cutie is on the scaffolding

 

This was from our first year.  A single mom with 8 kids living in a 12'x24" home.  We added the second story... crazy way to experience building in Mexico.

Have I Done Any Good

Lyrics

1. 1. Have I done any good in the world today?
   Have I helped anyone in need?
   Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
   If not, I have failed indeed.
   Has anyone's burden been lighter today
   Because I was willing to share?
   Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
   When they needed my help was I there?
   
   (Chorus)
   Then wake up and do something more
   Than dream of your mansion above.
   Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
   A blessing of duty and love.
   
   
2. There are chances for work all around just now,
   Opportunities right in our way.
   Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try,"
   But go and do something today.
   'Tis noble of man to work and to give;
   Love's labor has merit alone.
   Only he who does something helps others to live.
   To God each good work will be known.