Getting Lost in Service

When was the last time you lost yourself in service to others?

Last week? Last month? Maybe a couple of years ago.

For me, it wasn’t too long ago. Every summer for the last nine years, I have packed my things and spent a week of vacation on the shores of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin at Camp One Step; a summer camp for children and youth with cancer.

As a volunteer, I enter this world for seven days and commit everything—my time, energy, and heart—to serving these amazing kids who are battling life-threatening diseases. The camp is built around an atmosphere filled with acceptance and centered around a joyous celebration of life.

Each activity is adapted so that children in wheelchairs can experience the thrill of scoring a soccer goal or shooting a basket. We encourage kids to face their fears and conquer new challenges like swimming and rock-climbing. Most importantly, we strive to turn “I can’t” into “I can!” for children and teens who have only ever known adversity.

I get lost in serving these kids. For a few days each summer, my time is spent getting to know these wonderful people and joyfully caring for their needs.

Since joining the team at Douglas Shaw & Associates, I have had the privilege of serving and partnering with many ministries that are also changing and impacting lives. Though most of my days are filled with strategy meetings, data reports, and proofing appeal copy, there is one thing I fix my focus on; that like the kids at camp, I joyously serve and support our clients and play a small role in their life-changing work.

Day in and day out, the mission of the ministries we serve is our mission. We not only dive headfirst into the fundraising strategies and opportunities for each organization’s growth, but we travel the road with you—to serve those in your community and help fulfill your mission. It is our aim to get lost in the business of doing so and together make the world a better place.

So, we must ask the question, can we get lost in service with you?