Volunteer Army

Yesterday was a big day for us at church. Howard and a friend had practiced several times for a song to follow the worship service. He was a little nervous, but our friend had made sure his guitar and equipment were in place and had taken care of every detail. It had been her idea, and it was a blessing to him to be able to do this.

Immediately afterward, a presentation was on tap to honor all the volunteers of the church. Over the past few weeks, headshots had been taken of each volunteer. At the time I really did not know what they were going to do with the pictures. We had been told that we were to gather in the hallway before being presented to the church.

I soon found out that we were to line up alphabetically and go in one by one. There were about a hundred of us clustered in the hall, and it took a little while to find our place in line with the "S"s. Finally the names with our letter came up. I followed Howard as I heard first his name called and then mine. We were handed a long-stem red rose and received hugs and appreciative words from our pastor and his wife as we crossed in front of the platform. (When I sat down I realized they were showing each individual's picture on the screen as the names were read, even if we'd been too busy to notice our own.)

Yesterday's events reminded of an Awards Day. Kind of like the Awards days we attended when our kids were in school. It was such a proud moment to hear his or her name called for a special achievement award!

The Bible tells us that there will be, not an award day, but a reward day someday. "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built upon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he will suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." I Corinthians 3:13-16.

My volunteer service was nothing notable, mostly consisting of supplying a cake or dessert for a funeral or bake sale or helping in the kitchen. Howard's is in visitation when needed. (Perfect for his gift of communication.)

Good deeds done can be great or small. Our helpful friend who persuaded my husband to use his guitar and sing in church for the first time since his recovery from surgery and complications last year was demonstrating kindness and encouragement! Rewarding qualities for sure!