Being 2024, I would like for all of us to focus on the theme of Charity for the year. Charity is the giving of money, time and/or sharing the true essence (spirit) of oneself with others in the endeavor of making a better life for others and in return nurturing our inner spirit. Charity is typically associated with donating monetarily. Although donating is a great benefit to those in need of financial recovery and support, giving of one’s time is much more rewarding and it’s the people and their time that is what truly defines Relief. You may ask yourself, "How do I provide something of value for others when I have limited time myself?” I say, there are seven days in a week, 24 hours in a day, with 365 days in a year and a lifetime of showing others how awesome a human you are for this world. Everyone can find the time, you just need to open your calendar instead of your wallet. Find a volunteer location that you cherish to improve or donate your time to an organization near and dear to your heart that benefits the community. At a minimum, how about asking a stranger how they are feeling or how their day is going, step aside, greet and open a door for someone entering/exiting a building, or when passing someone on a walk acknowledging their existence with a smile? "Start small, miss small” by showing others you are kind and caring having compassion. Every single person is going through something and in their head. You may just change their world for good all the while feeling you are making a difference one person at a time!
Sean M. Moncalieri, Chaplain
VFW Post 6604
