Today I overheard a woman talking about how she was bored staying at home. She had retired a couple years ago, and her husband was still working and travelled. There were times she had nothing to do. She was thinking of going back to work part time and she wanted to apply for a job.
“Bored,” I thought. What’s there to be bored about? I’m so tired of hearing people, mostly women, it seems, who retire, apparently too early, and then can’t handle it. Bored…
Why are you bored? What’s the matter with you? Are you telling me you can’t find any place in your community that could use your help for a few hours a day?
Bored?
Do you know how many places there are that would bend over backwards to let you come and help them out one, two, three, eight hours if you wanted…as many days a week that you wanted?
There are hospitals, health centers, libraries, schools, community centers, city halls, youth centers, women’s centers, churches, I could go on, and on, and on all night.
If you retired, most likely you do not need the money. Could you use a thank you? Could you use a smile, a hug? Could you give? Could you give a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, a ride, a listening ear, a pen and paper to write a letter, some silence just to sit next to someone lonely who needs some company?
Do you have time to travel? Can you help in a disaster? Volunteers are needed for that too. Are you a retired health professional or teacher? Your services may be needed more than you know.
Don’t let me hear you are bored.
On Monday President Bush spoke about Volunteerism. A reminder for us all. Please listen to his speech. Yes, he can be goofy at times…but he means what he says from his heart.
President Bush Discusses Volunteerism
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President George W. Bush addresses his remarks honoring volunteerism and the achievements of
USA Freedom Corps Monday, Sept. 8, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper
USA Freedom Corps
Citizen Corps
Peace Corps
