Volunteering
- Details
- Category: Uncategorised
- Published on Wednesday, 23 September 2009 03:09
- Written by N0TRQ
- Hits: 97
Some thoughts on volunteering.
I''ve heard more than once from folks that refuse to volunteer or help any cause in general. Words to the effect, I''ll not volunteer for anything, or "What''s in it for me?". What prompts this behavior has always been a mystery to me. Nothing is more pathetic to see than these same people standing hand always extended, not in a gesture of friendship but palm up, looking for a handout. You know the type, we see them more often than not, but most share in the compassion that the fools will learn in time.
Many never learn, some after it''s too late, others just burn their bridges without a care for their fellow man as long as they stand to benefit. If the benefit comes with no effort of their own or at entirely others'' expense then their goals are met. There are likely a pile of fancy words with a dozen letters to describe this behavior, for me, people that could be so self serving and self centered shall not be rewarded or given any quarter.
"Not everything that counts can be counted. And not everything that can be counted, counts." - Albert Einstein
Applying this simple twist of words to life as a whole can provide a tremendous perspective. Nope, volunteering will not likely make you rich or famous, but stop for a moment and think of what your time and effort might be worth to others. Lending a hand to one in need yields its own rewards, those that cannot be spent or displayed, but will count in the end if done with a pure intention.
"An able man holding himself above others in need will find himself last in line." - Author - ME, just made that up.
Simply put, it''s a shallow perspective to value your time to be worth more to be kept to yourself than to share, perhaps the rest of us are better off for your poor behavior, in time, you will be your only audience, good luck with that. I''m not much for preaching, but I will however share my thoughts when they seem to fit and when I see behavior and actions that effect others.
If it were not for the generosity of many, this collective group of folks would not exist, in fact Amateur Radio itself would not exist. Consider this question next time you attend a meeting or function; "Am I getting anything out of this?" If the answer is no, then one more question; "What did I contribute to this?"
Volunteer your time, experiences, or whatever as you will or not, to each his (or her) own, but do not attempt to infect others with your poor attitude or don''t act surprised or play the wounded victim when you are called to account for your behavior.
If this article offends you, perhaps you should step back and consider if it was written about your actions/behaviors.
