I was reading a book the other day, just a fiction book. And a Christmas fiction book at that. I’m a sucker for those. Normally they are just light and fluffy feel-good little books, but this one truly spoke to me.
This is what I read: “My momma always said, find what breaks your heart and get busy.”
It just knocked me for a loop, that one sentence. Lots of people volunteer, especially at this time of year. Fifty-eleven causes present themselves. Most of them worth while and honorable. I always have a bit of a meltdown wondering where to spend my time and my pennies. Not only at Christmas but all the time. This one simple thought, “find what breaks your heart and get busy…” gave me immediate direction.
I’ve been asking myself the question…what breaks my heart? I’ve come up with a few things…
~The end of life, for a patient and their family, such a vulnerable time. A time when a simple kindness can mean so much.
~Homeless animals. Helpless creatures that have no means of staying warm or keeping their tummy’s full.
~Elderly people…sometimes forgotten and neglected but still with so much to give.
These are some things that truly break my heart. I already volunteer in one of the areas and I’m prayerfully considering how to give something of myself to the other two.
I was just wondering…do you do any volunteer work? Is it in an area that breaks your heart?
Tis the season…
ps…turns out this book had a lot more depth than I ever expected. I would HIGHLY recommend it: The Christmas Promise
Powerful post, Rob. What breaks my heart :
Women/children in abusive situations.
Families shattered by addiction.
Teenage girls who feel trapped. Rebellious/hurting teenage girls.
Homeless people.
You Julie do exactly what the quote says. I so admire you for that…love u
The biggest thing that breaks my heart into pieces is anything to do with my fellow Veterans. I am a Vet and when I see these guys coming back with missing limbs or even worse, it just rips my heart into shreds. Or these homeless guys you see living under a bridge, the majority are Vietnam or even Dessert storm Vets. These men and women are like my extended family. I know where they came from, I know what they did and experienced and it’s sad to see them come back and try and get their life back on track after being at War for 18+ months…. The VA is ridiculous and these guys sometimes will only be 10% disabled in the VA’s eyes even though they have to live the rest of their lives in a wheel chair. It saddens me. It really does. I am ALL for Veteran organizations and volunteer groups.
Kasey…I so feel your heart in this comment. I want to take a moment and thank you for serving our country. Thank you. Hugs
Sounds like a book I would enjoy!
What breaks my heart:
Young children stuck in drug addicted homes. I’ve been witness to this too many times.
People forgotten, lonely, depressed, abused – be it elderly, a recent widow, a childless grown woman…a homeless man. These people really touch my heart.
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Robin, this is such a wonderfully thought provoking post. My husband has always said (in his pursuit to find his real calling in life) to figure out what you can’t stand and then change it…that’s your passion. For me, the things I can’t stand/ break my heart the most is neglect of any helpless being: children, the elderly, animals. Being a mother makes me particularly sensitive to how dependent children are~ a simple concept that I truly never understood until I gave birth to my daughter. And it amazes me there are people out there that treat children as if they are meaningless. The elderly often get the shaft because people don’t take the time to learn how to care (if they’re even concerned about it) for their aging loved ones. Having cared for my Nannie in her home for 11 years, the well-being of older generations is near and dear to me as well. Then, animals, you said it best in, “helpless creatures who have no means of keeping warm or their belly’s full.” How heartbreaking that is. If I could take in the world’s homeless and abused I would.
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so funny, we met donna when we moved to nashville… she AMAZINGLY talented. we attended the same church and her acting abilities are stellar, she used to do this coffee talk routine that would have the whole church in stitches!
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I so enjoyed this Robin, and I have a new thing that breaks my heart beyond repair. I agree with you about the animals that are neglected, and there are so many here in Belize, but so many people work with the Humane Society here, which is great, but there are childen in the street who are ignored. Kids are only required to go to the 6th grade, if they don’t pass a test after that to get into high school, they are just left to fend for themselves, which means a large majority of them end up stealing, they won’t let them stay in school, and they won’t let them get a job until they are 18! So if they are not particularly bright in those early years and can’t keep up, then there is no more chance for school. It breaks my heart! They end up turning into little thiefs, Oh Robin it is so sad. And the reason I mentioned the thing about the Humane Society, is because just about every American here is so heart broken over the animals, and volunteers so much time to them, but they will not help tutor these children. Its unbelievable. Everyday I have someone else asking me if I will help with their children, the sad thing is the parents for the most part did not go to much more than 3rd or 4th grade. So I’m heartbroken, and trying my best to help where I can, but there is just too much to be done to feel like I can make much of a difference. But just one little person at a time is sure rewarding, and makes life worth living.
I love you and miss you…
Gail you have always had a heart for children. It’s such a strength in you. It’s hard to believe, living here, that so many children live that way. I’m so proud you’re my Auntie!!! Just look at the difference you’re making. I miss you too. I was thinking about last Christmas Eve and playing games with you guys. I know the fam is coming to you this year but just know I’ll be thinking of you.
I read this late last night and have just now come to offer my thoughts. I feel like the walking wounded sometimes as so much tugs on my heart. The one place I really enjoy helping at so far is the school the boys attend. I think you realize when you compare other kids to yours sometimes… just how fortunate they are! I feel bad if one of my kids leaves without properly combed hair… but at school you see kids that haven’t had their hair washed in days if not weeks. I love just being an extra set of hands and eyes and ears for the teacher and trying to encourage the ones that need just a bit more.
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What a great post Robin!! – my post today is about the help we volunteered last weekend at an event that benefits Leukemia & Lymphoma. It felt good to do something like that – we need to do this more often! – the kids really enjoyed it too http://tidymomof2.blogspot.com/2009/12/winter-wonderland-holiday-event.html
Then there’s my cookie donating I’m doing this year! – I’m baking, decorating and donating 250 cookies to a food pantry and domestic abuse program! – I’m REALLY excited about that! – what we are doing we DIRECTLY impact people in my community during the holidays – I hope those cookies can give them something to smile about, even if it’s just for a few mins!
~TidyMom
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You are a spectacular soul indeed. I think that book sums it all up in such a short statement. What breaks my heart? I’m afraid the list is endless but I try to do my part in small ways. No animal has ever been turned away from our home, I contribute to each and every food donation or clothing drive I come across, and try to do at least one kind deed for a stranger each day. I have no patience for neglect, abuse, or those too self absorbed to reach out to fellow man.
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