Sometimes interactions with strangers impact me more than relationships I’ve spent years building.
The various volunteer projects I’m involved in introduce me to strangers nearly every week. I become attached to these people, even after only meeting them once. I wish I could say that I get attached because I make a profound impact on their lives, but that’s not true. I’m a face in the crowd and most of them will forget me as soon as I walk out the door.
But, they make a profound impact on my life.
These strangers uncover the good things in me. The sincere, unguarded, optimistic parts of myself that get lost somewhere beneath the sarcasm and other protective shields I put up. These beautiful people give me more than I ever give them. They help me find the places of my heart that have become calloused with disappointment. They reveal the blessings in my life that I never bothered to notice.
Last week I felt completely discouraged and worthless, but I went to my volunteer shift at the hospital anyway. I was asked to keep a young woman company. She’s close to my age… and paralyzed from the neck down. As soon as I met her, I dropped my dejected attitude and became what she needed: optimistic and hopeful. I became her hands as I fed her dinner and colored pictures for her.
This girl probably won’t remember me, but I think about her all the time now. I think about how she asked me to dial her mom and hold the phone to her ear. Even on my worst day, I can pick up the phone to call my mom. Or go for a run. Or drive around aimlessly. I cried the entire drive home from the hospital because God blessed me with beautiful, functioning hands and I never even thanked Him for them.
Service is not just about helping other people; it’s about healing your own soul while you help others. You may think that you don’t have anything to give, but I promise you that if you give what you can… God will keep giving you more to give away. The more I get involved in the lives of strangers, the more I want to be involved. They unknowingly teach me about the really beautiful things in life and they help me see the really beautiful things in myself.
God gave me hands and feet. God gave me today. And I’m happy to have them.
#1 by Henah on June 24, 2011 - 8:47 pm
I once emailed you saying what a profound impact you have made on my life, as a stranger. So I thank God for your hands, for being able to type back to me, and for being able to type this. This is beautiful, and something I truly needed to read. If you don’t mind, I’d love to copy & paste this onto my Tumblr with you as a source, because I don’t have a WordPress but I’d like to keep this beautiful post.
Thank you again for being a beacon of light in my life, whether you know me personally or not.
#2 by Jaclyn Rae on June 24, 2011 - 8:57 pm
HENAH!!! I remember your e-mail vividly because of how much it touched my heart. I am so extremely happy to hear from you
Of course you can copy this for your Tumblr, I’d be honored. I hope you’re doing well, sweetie! Stay in touch. <3
#3 by Henah on June 24, 2011 - 9:02 pm
Aw, I’m glad that it meant so much! I’ll copy it now
http://www.henah.tumblr.com
I hope you’re doing well too; you truly deserve it.
#4 by Annette on June 25, 2011 - 2:33 am
I can assure you the girl you helped at the hospital remembers you. The fact that you are ever grateful for what you have and so generous in what you share makes you memorable to people. You are more than a face in the crowd because you reach out to people. Really great post. Have a great weekend.
#5 by Jaclyn Rae on June 25, 2011 - 3:14 pm
Thanks Annette. You have the gift of encouragement. <3
#6 by shelbyisrad on June 25, 2011 - 10:36 am
I love your heart Jaclyn, you are such an incredible lady, i look up to you so much my darling!!!
#7 by Jaclyn Rae on June 25, 2011 - 3:14 pm
Aww, thank you! I love your heart too, Shelby!
#8 by Heather on June 26, 2011 - 10:40 am
Beautiful. Amen. Seconding. <3 I love strangers.