Reaping the Rewards of Your Delayed Gratification:
Refreshing the Soul By Giving Back to Your Community
For the last six months, my 16-year-old son, 12-year-old daughter, and I have been volunteering monthly at Mom’s Pantry, a local faith-based food bank in north Phoenix serving the underprivileged.
It has been such an eye-opening and fantastic experience for the Justo clan, especially being able to teach teenagers to give back to their community. We have also met an incredible group of volunteers I am proud to call friends.
Our activities include stocking, shelving, and bagging groceries for our “guests,” greeting them upon entry, registering them, and then walking them out with their food to their car (or bike). The individuals who come to get food at Mom’s Pantry are genuinely grateful and express their appreciation. Quite a number of them are “regulars” who come in weekly, and we have started getting to know them by name!
Scheduling Your Delayed Gratification
After each 5-hour day and serving over 200 guests each day, my kids and I are tired, but we stay rejuvenated in knowing that we have contributed in a small way to God’s purpose. I recommend choosing a non-profit service of your choice and giving back. It is refreshing for the soul, not to mention how it positively impacts many others in need!
“Delayed Gratification encourages thoughtful decisions for oneself and the world.” – Dr. Emilio M. Justo, MD
