Building Our New Community

Monday was declared a National Service Day. We were all asked to go out and volunteer or host an event in our home. I am ALL FOR community service, and donating to worthy causes . Everything I read regarding living frugally and saving money emphasizes strongly the need to give to others. But, interestingly enough, giving is something I had not done on a regular basis until I decided to leave my job, and consequently had less to give.

I think this anomaly occurred largely due to lack of time. I would make notes to myself to write a check for one cause or another, or I would see something on the news and mean to check out the website later for details, but I never followed through. But now that I have the time, I do follow through, and have been spending part of our tight budget on others.

So when this Community Service Day opportunity came up, I was all over it. I signed up to host a food drive. I listed my event on the Service.Org website. I printed 50 flyers and went door to door in my neighborhood. I took Amelia with me and introduced myself to everyone who answered the door. As embarrassing as it is to admit, up until last week I had only known three of my neighbors. When the Service Day arrived, we baked muffins and had a pot of coffee and a pan of hot chocolate on all day. My step-daughter Alex and one of her friends helped unload cars . It was a smashing success. We collected approximately 110 bags of groceries. I met tons of my neighbors and it all went off without a hitch. The day was full of positive energy, camaraderie and a common sense of purpose. We were a community, and Martin Luther King Jr. would have been proud.

The next day, however, was full of irony. I have always subscribed to the belief that "you have to give to receive". In "You're Broke Because You Want to Be" Winget says, "When you willingly share part of what you have earned with others, then it magically comes back to you. I don't know why it works, but I know it works."and then he goes on to tell a story about writing a check for a charity and in turn receiving reprieve in that same amount for a bill.

So the day after the food drive, while packing the food in the car, I closed the trunk with the keys nestled safely inside. Al the doors were locked too. So, the first thing I received after giving was a bill for a locksmith ($45). Secondly, the insurance company came to check out our roof after a windstorm and they informed me that the damage was $430. The deductible is $500, so the second thing I received after giving was a bill for $430. Yesterday, we received a bill from the tax man for $1001. So I am trying to figure out why Karma is throwing me this curve ball.

So I am thinking about what this law really means. If you give you will receive..... It does not say what you will receive. Now my first thought was...I did actually receive, it was just bills that I received. But the more I ponder this, the more I realize that what I received this week was worth more than the $1476 deficit we are running this week.

I met many of my neighbors. Since they turned out for a food drive, after simply receiving a flyer in their door, or after having briefly met me, I have to assume that they are somewhat similar in my beliefs. I have to assume that they share my yearning for a sense of community, that they care for others and want to make sure that others are not hungry. I have to believe that Amelia and Alex will be that much safer in my neighborhood, because my neighbors will know they are mine and may keep an eye out for them. I also have to believe that if my girls are up to no good my neighbors will be confident in knowing my values and will be sure to put my girls in their place. I have to know that if there is smoke coming from my house, my neighbors will make sure that we are safe. So what did I receive? I received a community, one I am happy to be a part of. A community that I am sure is worth more than a measly $1476.00. That being said, Publisher's Clearing House should be announcing their winner in mid February, and I not 100 percent sure that van won't be parked in front of my house. Oh Karma..you tricky little minx.

On another note - my cashier's name is Jan Eric.
Next Week..I Heart Craig