You give and you get

I have a habit of agreeing to do things sometimes when others can easily pass. I volunteer, usually with great anticipation of whatever we are planning or doing. I dont give tremendous amounts of time to any one thing but I believe in helping out. Somehow over the years my volunteering has involved me in set-ups, tear-downs, behind the scene action, in front of the curtain action, book moving, registration taking, ticket collecting, snack bar selling, t shirt designing, singing with staff, organizing parties and general helping out. Some of these experiences have led me to bigger and better things.

Last night I gave a little bit of time in the library at the church we attend. It needed to have books shelved, shelves read and normal straightening up. Quick, easy, nice people and rewarding...also found lots of books I am interested in. Who knew that library had so much?? Well, lots of people, just not me.

Also in the church last night was another group. The first rehearsal of the cast for the next big musical at the Barn was meeting downstairs. On my way out from the library I could not resist a short visit and observation. I am so glad I stopped by!!
Sitting in the back of the room I was smiling at so many things; the deep deep voices of the men on the right, the cute teenagers who I have known since they were 6th graders in our shows, the friend from another district who I had a chance to catch up with, one of my best friends leading the gathered voices, seeing again many people who I have met because of our community theater. I hung out for a little bit and joked with a great young man and then got up to leave. The gift came as I walked quietly out the door. It was the voices. What a sound!!! Sweet, harmonious and lovely. We actually stopped saying our goodbyes to relish in the sound!! If this is what they sound like now I cant wait for the show!!

What is my point in all this? I guess it is that sometimes when you give a little, you get a lot back. If I had not said, "sure, I can help", I would never had said, "wow, listen to them...they sound amazing". I was doubly lucky last night, I could finally give something of myself to my new church that I am comfortable with and I was blessed in return to hear a smidge of "Hello,Dolly". Simple gifts. Lucky me.