A few times this year our current volunteers will be asked to reflect on their experience thus far. How are the three pillars of volunteer life (service, community and spirituality) impacting their personal journey? We'll be sharing some of these reflections here and hope you enjoy learning more about volunteer life at CAP.
When asked, "What has been your favorite night in community so far?" Debbie (Elderly Services, Jackson County) shared the following poem:
Stargazing
A dot, smaller than the rest, set apart in the center of the panorama, shines brightly.
A dot, collaborating with neighboring dots, moves slowly across the sky.
A dot, seemingly insignificant, is connected to those to which it belongs and forms an image renowned by all.
A dot sitting still goes unnoticed until it is instantaneously propelled, leaving a trail all can see, but none can follow.
A dot glowing in the grass like a piece of Heaven come down to Earth.
The sound of my community sharing stories, so simple, but so profound.
The sound of crickets performing love songs in an ensemble that have been sung for centuries.
The sound of a screech owl calling out to the night.
The sound of a still small voice telling me of my place in this world.
Carl (Volunteer Hospitality, Johnson County) was challenged recently on the personal motivations he brings to his daily service.
Yesterday I met myself and did not like what I saw, a man who wanted to serve others yes, but on my terms. I wanted to serve in my time at a job of my choosing and definitely not where I was asked to serve. As I went about the task placed before me, I came to realize that every act done for others, even when they are largely unseen and unappreciated, if done with the love of Christ, is just as valid as those acts done openly and applauded by the recipients. Today I will go back and work behind the scenes once again, hopefully with a repentant heart. There are many people in an organization such as CAP who work for the glory of God, never complaining, always available and always cheerful. I am learning to be more like them, more willing to take on the hidden tasks of the day, more willing to let others be in the light and quieter in my service.
Micole 
(Elderly Housing, Rockcastle County) reflected on how increased time for quiet and stillness had impacted her faith - In the short two months I've been with CAP, I've found myself more at peace and in tune with my faith. There have been more than a few evenings spent at the top of our hill in Mt. Vernon with my bible open and my ukulele on hand. It's absolutely beautiful up there and quiet enough to help me focus on being alone with God for a little bit. Fellowship with my housemates is great and has also been a huge part of my time here, but just being able to sit and hangout with Jesus every once in a while... It's really been a blessing. --- We're so thankful for our volunteers who daily give their all to their participants, their community and their faith and are looking for new volunteers who feel called to join us in this mission. Applications are currently being accepted for service placements beginning in January, May and August of 2016. Please consider if this might be your time to serve or share our need with someone you know. Contact us for more information.
