When I was in college, I had the amazing opportunity of joining a fraternity. I’ve heard many negative stories about the Greek System, and I believe them. My experience, however, was extremely positive and it was there that I first began to look outside of my little bubble to see all the many needs in the world. I developed a desire to live a life of service.
I know a lot of people who work or volunteer in the nonprofit world. Thank you to all of you for what you do. But if you don’t work in nonprofit work, you can still live a life of service. Here is a list of suggestions. (Yes, I got help from my Facebook Friends. Thank you!)
1) Take food to an elderly person.
2) Listen to someone that doesn’t have many people stop and listen to them.
3) Talk to people in public. For example, don’t just rush through the grocery store. Talk to people as you shop.
4) Serve the people at your work. Go the extra mile.
5) Mow someone’s lawn for them. (Who wouldn’t love this?)
6) Wash a car. I use to know a guy whose dad would wash your car if you were at their house. Weird and very cool all at the same time.
7) Give a complement. Who does this anymore?
8) Wash dishes.
9) Talk to your neighbor. Depending on your neighbor this may be a big sacrifice. 😉
10) Serve the homeless once a month. I know a great place to start.
11) Go on a mission trip, national or international.
12) Foster/Adopt a child.
13) Do a fundraising dinner for your favorite nonprofit.
14) Volunteer at a nursing home.
15) Clean someone’s toilet.
16) Be a friend. There are not a lot of these going around.
17) Put your phone down and look people in the eye.
What about you? What ideas do you have for serving others?
2 Comments
Chris Paulk
Great post and great ideas Adam!
I a member of Rotary International. Much like our fraternity, local Rotary Clubs seek out & create service opportunities.
So, another way to live a life of service is to join a local service organization. And, like fraternities, you meet some amazing people along the way!
adamsuter
I’ve had the opportunity to speak twice at a local Rotary Club about Crescent City Cafe. They even provided a matching donation for the One + One Brunch this year. Great group of people!