Serving with an Amiable Heart

By Aaron Gaxiola, NDMV Alumni

This Thanksgiving showed me how being loved can help to build a sense of duty to help those in need. Being cherished and shown gratitude has given me the energy to serve.

Having a break from service can be bittersweet; especially when we shove the thought of making up hours in the back of our subconscious and tell ourselves, “We will do it after the holiday.” Or perhaps you gave up your break from your regular sites to truly help those in need. 

This Thanksgiving should uncover the true light of our service as AmeriCorps members. If you are doing service in a shelter, soup kitchen, food bank, school, or other social services, did you notice the smile you put on someone's face? Did you encounter the hope you give them as you hand them a frozen turkey and a bag of food, or when you serve them a hot, fresh plate of food? Have you seen the face of relief when they have a place to stay on these cold nights? Do you feel the joy your students feel as you make paper turkeys with them?  Or you encounter complaints from your teen students, who later end up enjoying your class projects?  Within these glimpses of hope and joyful amusements, their memories of you will be carried throughout their lives. So then I ask- Have you thanked yourself for serving, for persevering in helping your community? For breaking your back just to make someone's day? 

I say this to you, my teammates, from all over the nation: Thank you! Thank you for putting your energy in helping your communities. Thank you for taking the risk and opportunity to show the world your heart and colors by bringing a piece of yourself to your communities. What greater love is there than giving a piece of one’s livelihood to those who have little, or close to nothing. In this time of giving I hope you encounter a sense of love and gratitude, so that you may serve with an amiable heart.

Sincerely, 

Aaron Gaxiola