There was a big shake up for me this week. It caught me totally off guard and unprepared. It shocked me, it saddened me, and for a moment it even angered me. Since attitude is everything, I figured I might as well get over it. In fact, I think it upset more of 'them' than it did me.
What happened? The homeless shelter where I volunteer is operated by three different churches. Their policy requires you to be a member of one of them in order to participate as a volunteer. So when I withdrew my membership at one of the churches, it disqualified me. I simply did not realize that would happen. It's not something I even thought about.
The more I think about it, though the better I feel about it. I'll simply state that my life has been leading me to this point for the last three years. I cannot be someone else definition of church or religion. Though I am Christian, I have a different understanding, and would never wish anyone ill. I will always love them but I cannot remain with them. And I don't want to turn this into some topic of Church vs anything else. There are other places where I might find the kingdom of my Creator. He's the only one that knows people's hearts... knows what they do and don't want. He knows me... and still loves me. There will be another shelter or volunteer place, or something.
Now I'm going to let it go... "This too, shall pass"... be that cannonball I wrote about yesterday. I'm also going to play one of my favorite songs. I don't remember much about the movie it came from, but the song was a parental favorite. I seemed to have inherited their love for it... and it's not about cold weather - yay!
Thanks for reading, as this is not something I normally touch on.
Or if you want to see something amazing... watch this!
How very odd. Organizations should be grateful for volunteers. But I admire you for refusing to be defined by a group.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I thought so too, Janie, but they're not city, county or state assisted/funded, which makes them a private "organization" if anything.
DeleteDuring a regular meeting is when I realized I hadn't qualified to volunteer since March 2014. That's the last month of the season. Their policies have been in effect for 19 years - I just didn't remember that.
At first I thought to join one of the other two left, but that made no sense. In my life, I had been all three denominations. I am no longer, "mainstream" anything.
There will be another way to be of service. Until then I guess I'm on vacation at the Summer Place(smile).
Thank you for commenting. I wasn't sure I could handle posting this but I write about on it Thursdays, and it's been such a fun part of my life that I've shared with you guys. I know you get it - thanks.
Yes, indeed. Always be true to yourself and your own spiritual growth and understanding. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra. It's amazing to me the things I keep learning. I find it hard to stand by and see the same old thing. I'm not a sage or teacher, but I really believe love is the key to our existence.
DeleteI think I'm more embarrassed than anything. I take that back - shock is a better word, but I'll keep moving - you get it. Learning to read the fine print would help!(smile)
Shock is the perfect word for it!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable!
Good for you, for stickin' to your guns!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Strangely, Linda, I got a call from a sick neighbor who's unable to prepare meals right now. I went shopping, and will help them out for a 2-3 days. If I can get a couple of dishes made for them to freeze - they'll be set, possibly through the weekend. It gives me a lot of joy - I'm sure you understand. So it's not like I'm "stuck in the yuck."
DeleteThank you for your kind words. (I loved the peonies!!)
I would have thought a church would embrace everyone, especially willing helpers. But what do I know ..
ReplyDeleteI know, Mike but their rules have always been in place. I'm the one who missed that one. Like I said, I think it upset them more than me. They could always change their rules... time will tell.(smile)
DeleteWhat better way to show Christian compassion than by volunteering to help others? Seems very odd.
ReplyDeleteChristian or not - compassion is the important thing. These three churches are all different, and yet they came together to take on this venture together. At that time it was odd enough for them to join together.
DeleteI agree with you, but these are rules set in place 19 years ago. I don't fault them. Maybe this needed to happen so they would reassess things.
Meanwhile, I could take up Yoga!(smile)
OMG how can it be a volunteering place if you have to be a member? I cannot stand the church and Vatican :)
ReplyDelete19 years ago - that's how they established this venture. It's very successful, and they don't lack for "volunteers". At that time it, you would have been hard-pressed to find "non-Christians" in this large community... and everyone had a "church home."
DeleteFast forward, and you find many "non-attending church," Christians, living peaceably. I do understand what you mean. Thank you for your kindness in reading all about my adventures there. Something will come along and we'll be baking more cookies, Dezz (smile), my friend.