10% of Me

 Hi everyone! It's been a while, hasn't it? I've been busy being a new adult, working my butt off, and enjoying the craziness of being both a teacher and a student. The more time I spend working with my students and helping them push through their various trials, the less time I have for much else. My heart is full but my time is often completely stuffed and my pockets are normally pretty much empty. So, what do you do when 10% to the Lord is looking like a pretty impossible feat?

We are told by the church that we should be giving 10% back to the Lord. He provides us with the air we breathe, the food we eat, and shelter over our heads and so it is our job to give 10% to the church in support of our priests, God's work, and the poor. Often times I bring home my paycheck and by the time I've paid the bills I HAVE to pay and then pay for the things my parents think I should pay for... well, I'm not quite sure I can manage to give 10% to the Lord while still having enough to get to next paycheck. 

Now whether you are a budding adult or simply a teen who wants to do their part in giving back to the church, the Lord will always provide for the things you need if you give Him that last 10%, but there is more than one way to give to the Lord. 

For one, as Catholics, Sunday is our day of rest. This is the day there should be no school and no work. This means you should have some extra time to give back to your community on a Sunday. For younger folks, this could be extra time helping your parents, reading some saint or bible story books to your younger siblings, or writing letters to someone who is sick or aging to support them. In this way, you are giving of the time you have to the Lord. For older folks, like myself, you can do some volunteering at your church. Sing in the choir, greet people at the door, volunteer to assist with catechism classes. Does your church have a Sunday social? Volunteer to help set up or clean up. Find a way to use your time to give that 10% to the Lord. You will not only grow in faith through this kind of giving but will also be doing your part to keep the church strong and healthy. 

When you give of your time, you give yourself a gift of, the knowledge that you have given of yourself for the sake of others. Once you find the right way to volunteer
yourself, it will even become something you look forward to. I start as an assistant teacher at my parish this coming Sunday and I can't wait to start. I found something that allows me to give back to the Lord and do something I love, namely teaching young children. I hope this has been helpful for y'all. It may be a while between posts but as always I would love to hear what you guys want me to write about next. I'm never quite sure what you guys want to hear so let me know. Thank you for reading!