The joy of serving

The next time you head through your favorite fast food spot’s drive-thru, why not leave your change to put toward the next person’s order?

Whether it’s 50 cents or $1.22, you’ll probably drive away smiling. Serving others has a way of doing that to you, and chances are, you’ll start looking for more ways to make a difference.

Here at the Utah Association of Special Districts, we know the feeling well. Preserving quality of life for our fellow Utahns is our business and our privilege. It’s something you never fully understand until you experience it for yourself.

Studies have shows it benefits you, too. Those who make a regular habit of giving back to the community live longer, are happier and, maybe more importantly, trigger others to do the same.

So, what are you waiting for?

• Start by opening your eyes to the need around you. It’s easy, in the bustle of everyday life, to overlook kids walking to school without gloves in the dead of winter or a young mom counting out her pennies to buy diapers. Maybe it’s a news story about an elderly woman’s gratitude for the neighbors who built a ramp to her front door. All these can spark ideas and with a little more research, you’re sure to find an organization that would welcome your help in meeting their needs.

• Take a good look at yourself. What are you willing and capable of giving? Is it your time? Money? A few spare groceries – non-perishable – for the neighborhood food pantry? Are you passionate about a certain cause? Would you rather perform random acts of kindness? All these options will make the world a better place… and you a better person!

• Act with an attitude of gratitude, expecting nothing in return. The true beauty of serving others is reversing the pecking order. Humility isn’t a sign of weakness; it is a quiet confidence. And in the end, it’s a gift you give yourself.