Day #90: Give with The Shepherd's Center in Winston-Salem, NC

Before we began GiveEveryDay, Stephanie & I asked ourselves how we wanted to live our lives if we had only one year to live. We decided that we would want to (1) deemphasize our things, (2) spend time with our family, and (3) give to others. We want our days and years to be meaningful. We recognize how fragile life is and how quickly it can end.

This morning my family and I met with the executive director at The Shepherd's Center in Winston-Salem. TSC aims to promote successful aging.

I have observed many men and women in their final chapter of life. Some end well, while others grow depressed and lonely - feeling unwanted and unsure about how to contribute to society.

TSC helps older adults get plugged into a variety of volunteer projects based on their time and talents. The center also offers continuing education classes to help men and women stay active - physically, mentally, and spiritually. Adults 50 and older can participate in book clubs, computer classes, a knitting or scrapbooking group, yoga, and much more.

There are over 100 Shepherd's Centers across the USA.

Our family spent 2011 traveling the USA in an RV, striving to intentionally "give every day" for the glory of God. We interviewed CEOs of nonprofits and served alongside over 40 organizations and churches.

Our Pledge

We hereby pledge:

- To spend intimate, quantity time with our family.
- To actively help the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the helpless.
- To value, protect, and advocate for children.
- To de-emphasize the importance of “stuff” in our lives.
- To bring publicity to good causes and good people.
- To live with intentionality, as if this year was our very last.
- To observe the needs in our country/community – and then do something about them.
- To give – every day.