Threads of Charity

I have vivid memories of my mom and dad’s involvement with an orphanage in Mexico. At one point, they all came to our farm for a visit. We did not have a lot of extra money growing up, but there was never a time when we were not helping a non-profit. I grew up thinking this is was a normal part of life. It was threaded into my DNA. I began to develop my own desire to touch lives in need and found a way to serve as soon as I graduated from high school. I spent the summer doing mission work and experienced joy and fulfillment in a way that permeated my entire being. This “calling” continued to grow throughout my adult years. The thread of charity began to weave through my children’s lives as we became involved in non-profits and ultimately served in an orphanage in Africa. On this trip with my children, I felt completely fulfilled, completely joyful and humbled. I was filled with gratitude for the strength and sacrifice my mom and dad so beautifully modeled to our family and saw the fruit of it in the next generation. It was a life changing moment. I am now observing my college aged children independently jumping into the world of non-profits in new ways and using their gifts to help others.

My “calling” is now fulfilled though my work with a charity that helps children with rare and undiagnosed conditions. This weekend was our culminating event to celebrate the children and to raise funds for their diagnosis. As I observed the amazing generosity of so many people, I was filled with hope and joy knowing there are beautiful threads of love being passed down to generations so we can all make a difference in the lives of those in need.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend’s. John 15.13