Community Service

Ok guys - some real meat and potatoes here - we have to talk about community service.  I'm not talking about doing a good deed here and there - I'm talking about really getting involved.  I grew up in a house where there was real community service - my parents did for the community in so many ways.  They were young people in a fairly young and new community and every need that arose, it seems, they got involved and helped out.  Sometimes it is easy to sit back in a more established community and think that you don't need to do much because it is so big and so many people are involved and what difference can you make - but that's not true.  There is so much to do and as a community grows larger, the needs are greater.  Not only that, more people are sitting back saying the community is running itself and the same people are often doing the majority of the work needed.  That is not how it should be.  Every person should find their niche and help with the best of their strengths and their abilities.  Sometimes there is little glory in it - actually a lot of the time it is mostly about hearing people's complaints about what you do and not the positives - but you can't let that deter you.  You can make a difference and you should. 

That being said, balance is key.  If you do too much and neglect your own house and your own family and your own needs that isn't ok.  Your family comes first but they need to learn how to give you space to do both.  I have seen families where communal needs are #1 and familial are #2, that is not ok in my opinion.  You need to pick your communal work selectively, don't say yes to everything if you want to really give your things your all and be there for your family.  Once you pick your things, run with them - do great things - make sure your kids/husband/self understands that these things will take time - but don't let it be so much time that you are taking away from the things you should be focusing on.

Ok, that's heavy enough for a post!