I’ve been very blessed to volunteer for wonderful organizations throughout the years.

Realizing that the Bible calls us to be good and faithful servants, sometimes volunteering can be tough to fit into our busy schedules. I know I’ve certainly found it tougher since returning to work.

Here are a few tips to help you carve out some time to volunteer.

Choose a cause close to your heart.

When you have a passion for a cause or an organization, you find it easier to help out. It doesn’t feel like just one more thing on your to-do list.

Choose how you wish to volunteer.

Too often, we feel we have to make ourselves available for every activity an organization coordinates. In reality, organizations are happy even for an hour of your time. Our school PTO puts together a list of all activities and sends it out at the beginning of the school year (they even provide a brief description of the task and approximate time commitment). This allows me to select a few items that are important to me without taking on too much. But this is something we can do on our own too. Contact an organization and let them know your skill set and how much time you have to offer, then let them match their needs to your skills and availability.

It’s okay to say no.

Just because someone asks you to help out, doesn’t mean you have to say yes. Learning to say no is tough. I still struggle with it. Keep in mind that saying no right now doesn’t mean no forever. Ask them to keep you on their mailing list for volunteer opportunities.

Volunteering is a rewarding experience. Hopefully these tips will help you fit it in.