I've been thinking about blogging all week - and haven't had the time! I've been keeping track of a few things I wanted to blog about, and I've got a lot to share. For today, one topic that has been on my mind a great deal this week.
If you watched American Idol's charity show, Idol Gives Back, you saw pretty much all of my favourite artists perform. And what a great cause! I cried pretty much through all of it. As much as it made me sad, I also resolved to do more to help those in need. Whether they are around me or thousands of miles away. It is utterly ridiculous that there are people living in such poor conditions in this day and age. Children dying from malaria? Outrageous. Children on the North American continent, perhaps the richest in the world, unable to read or get an education? a healthy breakfast every morning? Unthinkable. There are people in my own sphere of influence who need help and support. In talking with friends and family this week, I've expressed my feelings of wonderment at how blessed I am in my life. Why do I have all that I have, and so many people have so little? My very wise Dad reminded me that the Saviour said the poor will always be with us - and it is our responsibility to take care of them, to treat them as He would. This is so much more than sending a few dollars to a charity. This is a state of mind, having charity in your heart, having love for all people, giving of time - even if it is just a phone call. This hymn keeps coming to mind:
Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee--
Lord, I would follow thee.
Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can't see.
Who am I to judge another?
Lord, I would follow thee.
I would be my brother's keeper;
I would learn the healer's art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother's keeper—
Lord, I would follow thee.
Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother—
Lord, I would follow thee.
It's all right there, isn't it? I was telling my Dad that I feel so guilty for spending so much on frivolous things. To a child dying in Africa, or a person living on the street in my community, the idea of spending what I do on non-necessities... makes me a more than a little ashamed. I know that we all have our own talents and abilities, and we are supposed to nurture them - but it seems kind of ridiculous that what I spent on scrapbooking supplies this month could feed, clothe, and provide medication for at least one family in Africa. Kind of a humbling thought.
This certainly isn't meant to sound preachy. It's more for my benefit that I write this. I know I can do so much better, be so much more compassionate and caring, give so much more of myself. So grateful for the little reminders this week, and for the feeling that this is an attainable goal.
Peace,
J.
