Why I Chose Joygiving
Why I Chose Joygiving
Joygiver!? What in the world is a Joygiver?
As I perused the JustServe website, there were lots of listings for services that programs needed help with, and this one definitely jumped out at me.
I read the description, and it sounded like something that I could do in this chapter of my life, and something I would enjoy doing in this chapter of my life.
I retired a few years ago, at the age of 68, and it was an adjustment. I had to redefine who I was and how I spent my days. I had loved doing therapy with my newborn-toddler-age clients, so I felt a hole in my life. I had enjoyed working with families and having a one-to-one relationship with them, which connected us.
Being a Joygiver wouldn’t give me that same experience, but I could be making a difference in someone’s life, and that’s what I wanted to do.
Service was a byword in the faith culture that I grew up in. It was natural to bring over a casserole to a family in need or watch someone’s children when the mom was down in bed. More structured service projects were organized when the need arose- picture in your mind an old-fashioned barn raising, but this might be putting on a new roof or painting a house instead. We looked for ways to love and serve each other all the time.
The Joygiver role that Idaho Partners for Good envisioned was someone who would send out joy to folks within their community. They might need a pick-me-up, some sympathy, congratulations, or appreciation shown. Blossom Johnston lets me know weekly about who needs some joy, and an e-card or email message is sent to them.
Folks within their community are not just work partners, employees, or donors; they are real people, with real problems, or real celebrations. It might be a pet who passed away, a family member with cancer, a newborn baby, or a teenage son graduating from high school. Blossom tries to be aware of life circumstances and events for all who enter the door of Idaho Partners for Good. She is present in her communication exchanges with people, so they feel seen and cared for.
That is how we should all feel. Seen and cared for.
I like working with a group of people who value each other and acknowledge that value. A group of people who support other people, so they in turn, can support other people. A group of people who are kind and respectful, and grateful for all that is given to them, and are tireless in their efforts to revive Idaho values.
We are all part of a community, at work, at church, in our hobbies or sports, with our family and friends. Let’s spread Joy to those within our circle of influence, so those people are lifted up. As we lift and support each other, we lose prejudices, our hearts soften towards cultures that are less known to us, and we help walk each other home.