The Tortoise and the Hare in Community Service

Time…that constant commodity which never grows nor shrinks…is the framework in which we live and breathe. When I go on a seven-day trip I like to think of it as being seven days and seven nights, so I can squeeze as much as possible into the experience. And I can do that for a short burst of time, but it isn’t a sustainable model for life as we know it. The fast lane is for spurts, but community service requires the mindset of a turtle.

It begs the question: What is our reasonable service to those beyond family and friends and church affiliation? The crux of this answer defines our participation in the world outside our defined boundaries. Some draw very tight, almost impermeable lines to the exclusion of all those with whom there is no personal contact. Some live with such filmy curtains that social obligations blur the expected ties of friends and loved ones. I have a little experience with both extremes. Living with tight boundaries means ignoring the needs of the community and blurring the lines breeds resentment from those we love.

“And whatever happened to the pure love of running?”

Somewhere in the continuum lies sanity and a definition of reasonable service. I believe strongly in service. I believe in living on a penny so I can give a dollar. I also believe in making family and friends and church a top priority. So how do we budget the tightest of all commodities, time?

My preferred method is block management. Looking at blocks and assigning obligations into two- or three- or four-hour assignments of time works for me. Some prefer to color code their service, blocking out more time for some priorities and less for others. But make no mistake, being a good human requires each of us to ponder the question and summon an answer that satisfies conscience while meeting personal needs.

Let’s look at a couple notable examples. Marie Antoinette serves as the proverbial insulated aristocrat famous for “Let them eat cake,” when the peasants needed bread. She represents those who turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the plight of the needy. Mother Teresa serves as an example of someone who gave up all to serve the needy. We should never be Maries and we’ll never be Mother Teresas…but we do need to find that sweet spot in the middle.

Extended Hands exists to help us be the turtles that win races. We recognize the need to be a hare within our own ministries at times, but realize each ministry needs sustainable help in fulfilling its goals. Together we represent stronger supply lines, moral support, a source of information and help when the hare within us needs a break. We welcome all churches, community service groups, and ministries to become a part of our network.

We are servicing Jackson County outside of the North Kansas City and southern Kansas City geographical lines. We haven’t really set those lines as yet, so they are negotiable. What we see is a wealth of opportunity when the beloved community can reach Kansas City, and recognize that outside that hub much help is available. We want to join hands to strengthen this area.

Respond via email to extendedhands2023@gmail.com. We’d like to meet and extend hands of both friendship and support to all.