By Richard Mabey Jr.

Each and every one of us hold a unique purpose to serve God. Even in the seemingly most humble ways, all service to God is noble and righteous. Most recently, a door has opened up for me, that has brought a sense of true purpose and inspiration to me. About a month ago, I began doing volunteer work at my local library.

Ever since I was a young boy, I was enriched by the writings of Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe, Emily Dickinson and Earl Hamner Jr.

Now, in serving as a volunteer librarian, I cherish the golden opportunity to be a guardian of the books of these very talented writers. I owe these writers the sun and the moon and the stars.

I was a painfully shy boy, a sensitive soul, who at the age of 12 years old found myself enduring several long-term stays at the Barnert Hospital in Paterson. While fighting off a severe attack of Rheumatic Fever, I found refuge in three books in particular: the Holy Bible, the Boy Scout Handbook and Thomas Wolfe’s great novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.”

Now at 72, and fighting this horrible heart disease of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I have found a new purpose and a spiritual calling to guide people to finding the joy and wonder and splendor of holding a book in their hands and reading the literary classics.

I am immensely grateful to all those good folks out there who have written me kind letters of encouragement. I confess that I have fallen behind in replying. I am determined to focus more on finding the time and energy to reply in a more timely manner.

I believe that if you are reading this newspaper column, that it is no coincidence. And, dear reader and friend, I share these words with you. No matter how bleak your situation may look right now, please do not give up hope. Hold dear to heart the faith that God is guiding you to better streams. Doors will open soon for you. God’s golden light will shine upon you and through you, to touch, inspire and move the
hearts of others.

I know these are tough financial times. Just the price of a gallon of gasoline is depressing. But please take your eyes off of accumulating money or worrying about finances, and truly seek ways and avenues to serve God by helping others. The more you give to others, in spiritual love, the more you will receive.

This is a precious spiritual law. It is as real as the law of gravity.

Forgive others of the wrongs they have done unto you. Love one another. Help the poor. Have compassion for the homeless. Care for the animals on this planet. For love is the key that opens the door to events to unfold to bless you, beyond your wildest dreams.

In steadfast and earnest conviction, I take seriously my volunteer work to be a guardian of the wonderful writings of Dickinson, Hemingway, Wolfe and Hamner. In the greater sense, doing volunteer work in a library of a small community, may not seem like the type of thing to change the world. But if I guide, even just one person to find the joy and splendor of reading the literary classics, then I can take my last breath, knowing that I have touched the life of one person, for the better.

Never give up faith that a door will soon open to golden opportunities. Never surrender. Never give in to feelings of defeat. Never ever give up hope. God loves you more than you will ever know.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.