Every once in a while I find myself pondering the significance of my life. I mean really, have I contributed anything that is valuable? Intellectually I know I have, but emotionally I struggle and wonder--have I done enough? Sometimes asking myself the "if I die question," as in, if I died today, would God welcome me with open arms and say, "Well done, good and faithful servant?" I believe this is a good question to occasionally ask ourselves. If there is any doubt in our response then perhaps we need to evaluate with an honest "self-inventory" and establish where we are in life.

No matter how you view our society it seems as though we have become dangerously close to losing the dream of a "better tomorrow."

If we are not careful, cynicism can creep in and extinguish our optimism. We must do everything in our power to prevent this from happening. In the Bible recorded in 1 Corinthians 9:24, the Apostle Paul challenges the church to serve faithfully. He compares the body of Christ with an athlete running a race. The Apostle Paul said, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." These words challenge me to take life seriously and to do everything I can to make a difference in the world.

A few months ago I was talking to some Soldiers about this very thing. We were meeting together to consider how we might do our part to make a difference in our world--actually, in our community--through volunteering. Although we realized the contributions of our efforts wouldn't be earth shattering, it would at least give us an opportunity to give back to our neighbors. Author Alex Harris once penned these words, "Being faithful in the smallest things is the way to gain, maintain and demonstrate the strength needed to accomplish something great."

As the Soldiers and I talked, we began to develop a plan to make a difference in our community by exemplifying our Army Values--leadership, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. We made a commitment to volunteer at the Feeding America organization in Elizabethtown. And what fun we had. It was fun because we were able to laugh, joke and share stories with one another as we filled cardboard boxes with nonperishable food items. Although we didn't change the world, we were able to help alleviate financial strain for 366 families. And what a good feeling that was.

I believe God calls each of us to "do our part" and faithfully serve others wherever we happen to be. Whether we work in an office, train ROTC cadets or chase our little ones while they play on the playgrounds, God calls us to love one another and bless with others. God beckons us to persevere and to run the race of our lives.

Friends, I encourage you to live your life in such a manner that your creator God will greet you with open arms of love and endearment and say, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Perhaps this article whetted your appetite to volunteer and help with the Feeding America organization. I would like to encourage you to contact Amber Lyvers at (270) 735-1407.