Serving with Purpose
My husband and I are the event planners for Sea Cliff Mini Mart, which is in its 52nd year and is the largest fundraiser for Kiwanis. For nonprofits and craft/food vendors, it could be seventy-five percent of their income. Over 10,000 people ascend on five blocks. We are thankful for the tremendous support we get from the Village, Fire Department/EMS, and Local Police.
It is quite an undertaking that starts in March with sending out applications and intensifies in August with assigning booths and communicating more deeply with the vendors. It’s like setting place cards for a wedding with over 200+ booths. We need to ensure that someone who offers jewelry is not next store to another jeweler. And then there are the people who want to be next to another vendor, but their booth buddy has jewelry, handbags, and clothes. It’s a giant jigsaw puzzle.
What I love about the event is all the volunteers who help on the day. We start at 6 a.m., marking the streets with the booth numbers. The vendors arrive at 7:30 a.m. and must be off the street at 9 a.m. It’s a very hectic time, but it all comes together somehow.
I’m amazed at how the day flies by. Something always needs attention…a bee sting, a lost child, a dispute with two vendors…Anyone who works with the public knows that there are times when you must dig deep for patience and a sense of humor. I prepare myself for the day with Bible verses, reminding me to have both traits.
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10.
This verse is about doing our best while we are alive, as we cannot do so once we die.
I’ve also been reflecting on the activities I’ve undertaken since retirement. My husband jokes we should return to work for all our full days. Many articles discuss how to stay healthy as you age: eat right, get exercise, and have friends. There is another key one: having a purpose.
One of the Bible verses I’ve been meditating on is:
“On that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:20.
As I approach Sunday, October 6th, Mini Mart Day, I think about how to reflect my faith no matter the circumstance. And then, hmmm, that should be my daily thought.
Are there Bible verses you carry in your hearts every day? Ones that remind you of your faith and lead you accordingly? Please share one. We will all benefit.
May we be the fruits of the spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22.
Amen.
