Life can move fast. Between raising a family, working full-time, and trying to be present for the people who matter most, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Over the years, I’ve learned that while I can’t always control what happens around me, I can control how I show up. For me, that means giving my time to others and staying rooted in my faith. These two things—volunteering and believing—keep me steady through life’s highs and lows.
Growing Up With Purpose
I didn’t always understand what it meant to “show up” for people. As a kid, I was focused on sports, school, and just trying to fit in. But I watched my parents and grandparents serve others quietly, with no need for attention or recognition. My dad was a teacher and coach who gave everything to his students and athletes. My mom was a nurse who helped people on some of their worst days. My grandfathers served our country in World War II. I saw firsthand what it looked like to live with purpose—and I realized early on that serving others is one of the best ways to make your life count.
Faith Is My Foundation
Faith isn’t something I just turn to when things get hard—it’s the foundation of who I am. I attend a local church in Galt, and over the years, it’s become more than just a building or a Sunday routine. It’s a place where I’ve grown, been challenged, and found community. I’ve learned that faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting that there’s a bigger plan, even when life feels uncertain.
There have been seasons where I struggled—times of loss, career changes, or just feeling worn down. But I always come back to my faith. It gives me perspective. It reminds me that I’m not alone in this. And most of all, it reminds me to keep showing up—for my family, my team, my community.
Why Volunteering Matters
Volunteering might not sound like a big deal, but I can tell you firsthand—it changes lives. And I don’t just mean the lives of the people you’re helping. It changes your life too.
At my church, I’ve helped with events, clean-ups, and youth programs. I’ve coached kids in youth sports and mentored high school athletes who needed someone to believe in them. I’ve given time, energy, and a listening ear to people who just needed someone to show up.
And here’s the truth: most of the time, you don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to have a perfect story. You just need to be present. Because consistency speaks louder than words. When people know they can count on you, that’s when trust grows. That’s when healing happens. That’s when lives start to shift.
It’s Not About Recognition
One thing I’ve learned through volunteering is that the impact you make won’t always be noticed—or even appreciated right away. You might not get a thank-you. You won’t get paid. But that’s not the point.
The point is that you’re planting seeds. You’re creating safe spaces. You’re helping someone feel seen, maybe for the first time in a long time. And in a world where so many people feel overlooked, that matters.
I don’t volunteer for praise. I do it because I believe that when you’ve been blessed, you bless others. It’s a simple mindset, but it’s one that keeps me grounded.
Finding Balance in a Busy Life
With a full-time job as a general manager and the responsibilities that come with being a dad, brother, and friend, I get how hard it can be to find time to give back. But I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture.
Sometimes it’s just checking in on someone who’s struggling. Showing up early to help set up chairs. Coaching a youth basketball game after a long shift. Volunteering doesn’t have to be loud—it just has to be consistent.
Faith reminds me that I don’t have to be everything to everyone. I just need to do what I can, with what I have, where I am. That mindset keeps me from burning out and helps me focus on the people and moments that truly matter.
The Ripple Effect
The most powerful thing about showing up is that it creates a ripple effect. When people see you serving, it inspires them to serve too. I’ve seen kids I coached go on to mentor others. I’ve watched co-workers step up and lead with compassion because someone modeled that for them.
Even my own son has started to ask questions about helping others and what it means to live with purpose. That means everything to me. Because at the end of the day, legacy isn’t about titles or achievements—it’s about how you made people feel, and whether you made their lives better.
If I could leave you with one thing, it would be this: don’t underestimate the power of simply showing up. Whether it’s through your church, your neighborhood, or a local school or rec program, there are people who need what you have to give.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present. Because when you show up with a willing heart and a little faith, amazing things can happen—not just in others, but in you, too.
That’s what keeps me grounded. That’s what keeps me going.