Charity Begins at Home

• Aug
  24
• 
• 0

At Project 7 I am exposed to the most amazing people who give of themselves to a level I can only deem super human. They travel to countries I've never heard of, help people I will never meet and make an impact I can't measure. They deserve our thanks and adoration. Our blog posts are normally about these people... but not today. Today, I'm going to tell you about how charity began at home for me this weekend. No, this isn't a story about bringing water to those with none, or much needed medicine, but it is a story of how a little help can go a long way in any one's life. I've been going through a lot in life, which I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say a few tears have been shed and my big girl pants needed to come out of the closet. As a result of some of these things, I have made the decision to sell my wonderful home. I will miss it, but it has to be done. In order to do this I have to get it into fightin' shape. It is an older home and when a series of storms ripped through our area a few months ago I had some major roof issues that caused severe wall damage in a number of rooms. I have since had the walls repaired but, due to financial constraints, decided to paint the walls myself. Every night for the last month I have left work, donned my painting uniform and grabbed a roller or brush. On occasion my dog has decided to help me getting his ears or a paw in the paint bucket... actually not helpful at all. Well, after several weeks of painting I started to lose steam. It seemed like the unending pile of laundry that just won't get smaller no matter what you do. My sell date looms closer and I've started to feel overwhelmed. There was no way that little ol' me could get it all done. Enter help. Without being asked and totally as a surprise to me a girlfriend of mine took it upon herself to organize a painting brigade. Some of the people didn't even know me, but once my girlfriend shared my story and what I was looking at, they jumped at the chance to spend their Sunday helping out a stranger. The brigade showed up and painted from noon to 5 pm. It was amazing what a few extra hands accomplished. I'm still painting, have only trim and edging left to do, but this group of people helped me find the strength to finish. Now, I know this is an example of comfortable complaining. I am not going hungry, I have a roof over my head and I have my health (I also have one paint covered dog). But, this is an example of people seeing a need and stepping in to help - unsolicited and without even knowing the recipient. I am amazed by their generosity and grateful for their gift. So, I challenge you dear readers, find one person that you know needs help and do it. It doesn't matter what it is, help one person this week. Make a difference in someone's life. Do it and then tell us how you helped.

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