Volunteering is like leaving the house for an event, even a weekly event, like co-op or church. You decided as a family to do this good work, you know that it's coming, and you know when you need to leave. But is it as simple as walking out of the door at the designated time? Never. The sudden rush of leaving the house for an event can be crippling. This is volunteering.
Volunteering seems simple, but it's not.
To volunteer our time we must first acknowledge that our time is not our own. We are surrendering our time, skills, and knowledge for someone else's agenda. We are called to live out our lives as a continual sacrifice of praise to God and combat our selfishness through service.
But how does that work for the struggling introvert? If you are literally exhausted after being around people for only a couple of hours, then you probably shouldn't volunteer to work with people for more than a couple hours at a time.
Extroverts are robust about their zeal for life and changing the world. They converse together, feed off of each other's energy, and, to be frank, make a complete ruckus. Let's not fail to understand that although they are quieter, introverts want to change the world too.
How Introverts Change the World:
- Find a group or organization with a mission statement you can get behind.
- Know your limits. Can you work with a team of people if it's only once per month?
- Know your strengths. What makes you excited?
- Inquire if there's a need for someone with your expertise.
- Limit your hours working with people in large groups
- Buffer the time before and after your volunteer hours with activities that you do solo.
- Don't be discouraged that your work may seem unappreciated.
Please don't forget why you are volunteering. As I remind my children constantly, "It's not about you." It's hard work, but it's good life-changing work. Keep up the good work, stay the course, and change the world!