Working for the Greater Good in Day by Day

A busy day looms, so I’ll take a few minutes now. I’m making potato salad for 50 today and chopping the ingredients for a green salad for the same dinner. I’ll put the salad together tomorrow. The brownies are made and I’ll pick up the sandwiches on my way to the meeting tomorrow. I try to keep these dinners simple since the main focus is on the Board meeting (although sometimes I wonder if the food is bribing them! LOL!).

I received two new requests this week, so I need to vet them. It won’t be difficult since we’ve helped both in the past. I’m not sure we’ll be able to do much, since donations are down and there are four requests in front of them (although 2 won’t make it through). I approach each request as if we are going to fund and work my way from there.

It always amazes me when someone takes a combative tone when requesting help. One recent request was denied because it was a third party request (even though we say on the website we do not consider 3rd party requests), he was outside our age parameters (we clearly state the 18 to 35 age range), and unemployed (our goal is to help young working people to greater financial stability).

The last part is what got to me. He said “No, I’m not working. I only work for Jesus Christ AND NO ONE ELSE!” Then he asked us to find him a job in ministry.

Our website is pretty clear. We offer budgeting advice and we help young adults when they hit a tough financial spot. We don’t find jobs. We don’t find housing (but we will pay rent). We are not an emergency fund (discussion, voting, and required budget course must take place first). Why is this so hard? I guess people think its worth a shot anyway but it slows us down.

So I guess I’d best get to my work for the day. What are you doing?