I found a great way to become a volunteer.

I have been urging myself to volunteer for something for literally years.  I don't drive and this stops me some.   It is cold out.  Truthfully, I also fear rejection.   What if they say they don't want me or if I am assigned to someone who doesn't like me?

Anyhow, with the help of some serendipity, I came across a perfect volunteer opportunity for this winter.   I don't even have to leave my house or my computer.  What could be better?  I was on a Website that I occasionally use to ask for prayer.  They never bother me, ask for money or try to save my soul so I am pleased with them.  They are part of Guidepost. They were looking for people to write prayers in response to e-mail prayer requests they receive.  I applied,  and there is nothing to it. You write about ten e-mail prayer responses a day. Everything is anonymous of course.  I don't proselytize, and I'm not allowed to give advice.  I don't have to use Bible quotes and I can just be myself.  I expect it will be very rewarding.

I really needed something to help me get out of myself.  I get very selfish with my time.  I only want to write from the time I get up until early the next morning when I finally crash.  My 23-year-old daughter lets me know that it's obvious that I am obsessed with writing, and that it distracts me from spending time and attention on her.   I admit to continuing to do what I am doing on computer while talking on the phone to children, family members and dear friends.  I do feel ashamed.

It felt so good to know that I was going to be of service to others, that I also called and volunteered at our local homeless shelter overnight program.  That's just four hours a month.  Orientation is next week.  Now that's something I have been promising myself I'd do for several years now.  I was spurred to do it this year because a homeless woman I know asked me the other cold evening, "Where are you staying tonight?"

I had talked this situation over with close friends several times.  My heart wants to invite her to spend the night with me.  I live alone and have room.  I know it's the loving thing to do.  But so many people have advised me against it.  I don't want to get in trouble with my landlord either.  And I don't know that she could navigate my stairs.  Also, what if she just comfortable and moved in and wouldn't leave?  I am certainly not looking for a roommate.

So when she asked me that question I just told her I had a place.  In fact, I said, "I live alone."  It's the first thing that came to me.  Obviously I was protecting myself and meaning it to stay that way.  I guiltily bought her some coffee, cigarettes and gave her some money.  That's when I decided it was time to volunteer at the homeless shelter she should be in, but she objects to their rules.  When I asked her why she didn't go there she said she'd rather die.  She just might.

So this is how I finally became a reluctant volunteer.  If anyone is interested in responding to prayers by e-mail or by telephone, here's the contact:  http://www.ourprayer.org/_pvaVolunteer/