Why working in a library is a ministry

We had a discussion on Sunday morning about Stewardship; giving time, talent and treasure to the glory of God, often by helping someone in need. Included in the use of our talent was the discussion of how a job (paid or volunteer) can be a form of giving. The more I thought about it I realized that much of my job does include ministering to other people. Quite frankly everyone who comes into the library is looking for something. Sometimes they even know what. The simplest examples are those who need a book to read or study. We help them find one and they go. But things get more complicated with those who need information, and those who need help learning to find information. Teaching computer skills to folks is a prime example of helping fill a need by empowering people to help themselves. Then there are the unemployed folks who just need to tell you about their job search. And the homeless people (yes, even in Webster) who just want a warm place, a friendly face and a way to keep in touch with the world. There are very many lonely people who just want some human interaction and a listening ear. Lots of seniors fall into this category, even the married ones who just need to get out of the house for a little while. And there are the immigrants. Some of them are still learning English and need our resources; others have children they bring to use the library (and who often translate for them). We also aid those who have physical or mental disabilities, but who come to use the library resources. Wow, its no wonder that some days I feel like I'm a social worker, teacher, psychologist and library assistant all rolled into one. But those are also the days I go home feeling like I've gotten more accomplished than pushing paper around. And the days I feel more rewarded than by the paycheck I bring home.