A Calling

By Kristen Peterson

           How do you put into words a feeling you’ve had for years? You know it’s a feeling God has placed in your heart, but you aren’t quite sure how to put it into motion. 

           I grew up helping those in need due to the wonderful example my parents set for me as a child.  We served in soup kitchens and volunteered our time at clothing pantries.  My parents made sure I grew up knowing that we are not above helping those who need assistance.  They also engrained in me the spirit of compassion and showing respect and dignity for those who we help.  I’ve carried this ideal into my adult life and, with my husband’s help, we’re passing it along to our three children.

          In the busy schedules of today’s life, it can become easy to get distracted by deadlines, homework, after school activities and the like.  Now, more than ever, is the time to STOP just for a second.  Stop and take a deep breath.  Think about how lucky and blessed you are in your busy life.  Now, think about people in our community who are having a rough time.  They need Clare House.  They need the compassion of our volunteers.  They need that face to familiar face contact with someone who may not have walked in their shoes, but wants them to have the opportunity to nourish their family.

          Clare House has helped me put that calling, that feeling in my heart into motion! I want to do more! For now, I’m on those stairs passing up bags of groceries and extras (when we have extra special items, like gloves) on Fridays.  It’s a little thing I do in my day before I pick up the kids from school and think about what we’ll have for dinner and how we’ll spend our Friday night as a family.  Clare House is a place of compassion and acceptance.  It is an example God’s work in motion!

“Do small things with great love”

 Mother Teresa

“I think a hero is any person really intent on

making this a better place for all people”

Maya Angelou