There are no mountains in east central Illinois and no oceans, but there are good things for you to do here this summer that may make you happier than dangling your toes in the Atlantic or hiking the Rockies.

For instance, how about learning how to help people die well?  Oh, I forgot to ask if you’re sitting down.  Yes, I’m talking about death.  The book of Hebrews says that all people are destined to die and after that comes judgment. Believe it or not, all people die.

One of the best ways to help people die a good death is to become a Hospice volunteer.  Sound weird?  It’s not.  You do have to go through 21 hours of training, but it’s worth it.  Most of it is interesting and practical.  You’ll learn what to say, how to be an active listener, and you’ll even learn the physical stages people go through in their final weeks and days of life. 

The Hospice patient to whom I’m now assigned is an elderly woman in her 90s.  She enjoys listening to me read the Bible.  Every week I read several Psalms, sometimes using her King James Version Bible.  Last week I read her the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. 

After reading, I merely sit beside her, sometimes saying very little.  I try to be present.  Yes, it takes patience, but patience simply asks us to live each moment to the fullest, to be completely present to the moment, to be where we are at any given moment. 

Carle’s Home Services (383-3488) really needs more Hospice Volunteers.  You want to do something good this summer?  Learn how to help people die well.

Or maybe this is your summer to start giving blood.  Sound scary?  It’s not.  Blood banks are in constant need of donated blood, and you can do it in less than an hour.  If you have O negative blood like I do, you’ll really be liked.  O negative blood is a universal donor.  Anyone can receive O negative blood, but only 6 or 7 percent of the population actually have that blood type. 

I like to look at the plaques of names at the Community Blood Services of Illinois Center (367-2202) on University Ave. and see how much blood some of the true heroes have donated.  A few folks in our area have given 15 gallons or more in their life – one pint at a time.  Why not call the center today and make your first appointment.  You give part of yourself to help restore someone to health, and you do a very good deed.

Now I’ve been a pastor long enough to know that a good number of folks reading this column need to make this the summer they start attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting or something similar.  I am a huge believer in 12-step programs.  If you have the courage to step across the threshold and willingly admit your brokenness this summer, you may find happiness like you’ve not known for years.  Those with family members who struggle with addictions should consider attending the excellent Al-Anon program. 

Go to www.aa-eci.org or call 373-4200 to get a list of the different AA meetings in the area, and try one.  Sound nerve-racking?  It’s not.  You’ll find acceptance, safety, answers and best of all -- freedom. 

Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Urbana (217/384-3070) offers a strongly Christian version of the 12-step program called “The Healing Journey.”  Led by Pastor Pam Larson, the program now attracts nearly 100 people struggling with a variety of compulsive and addictive behaviors.  Larson is extraordinarily transparent, an excellent presenter and absolutely serious and tough-minded about people facing their addictions and compulsive behaviors head on.

Some people just need to get away for a day every now and then throughout the summer.  To you, I recommend Turkey Run State Park in western Indiana.  I’ve made the 75-mile trek more than 25 times.  Take I-74 into Indiana and go south on Highway 41 to Turkey Run State Park.  Follow the signs.  The Trails are beautiful.  Go early in the morning and walk the trails before it gets too hot.  Be sure and take your swimming suit and towel so you can spend the afternoon swimming and lounging at the pool.  Then walk over to the Lodge and enjoy the buffet before heading home.

Get on the telephone right now, call one of the numbers I listed, and make a difference this summer.