Early on, my grandmother, Mimi, showed me the beauty of reaching out to others with grace and tenderness. I watched as she served her community as a selfless volunteer and Red Cross coordinator. She lived by the principle “There is time in every day to do something for someone.” She ran fundraising drives, made home visits to deliver baked goods, and if there was extra squash in her garden, she shared it with a neighbor. During my childhood, time with Mimi was spent helping others.

Mimi gave the little jobs high esteem and helped me see how my small part contributed to the finished product. If we planted a vegetable garden in the spring, she would show up with baskets overflowing with produce in the summer. We would keep some but give most of the bounty to others. Mimi taught me to value my work at the end of a day and the end of a growing season.

My mom also modeled the value of giving back more than you take. By the time I could read, I was by her side as she ran fundraisers and campaigns. I stuffed envelopes and handed out flyers. By involving me, I gained hands-on experience in the importance of volunteerism. Mom also taught me the brilliance of organization and the art of taking on a challenge for a cause.

Shadowing my mother and grandmother taught me that serving others is a beautiful way to live.

My precious grandfather, known affectionately as “Peepaw,” used to say “All I have to do is make the living because Mimi makes it worth living.” Today, at ninety-two, Mimi wakes every day to do something kind for someone and to create something beautiful. Both she considers her duty to God.

There is time in every day to do something for someone. To give more than you take. To live beautifully for God and others.