The Gift

by RocketCityBev

   When I was a child, like many children, I veered between wanting to have it all my own way and wanting to help others. I was the queen of the temper tantrum when I did not get my way as a young child. Gradually, though, I noticed that I actually started to enjoy listening to peoples’ solutions, offering support and maybe trying to find a solution. This has been a theme throughout my whole life, the conflict between irritation and compassion. Then when I started becoming active in a religious community as an adult, I realized that the compassion and caring I had for others was a gift from my Higher Power (which I call God). I find putting others first both humbling and hugely rewarding. Of course, I am selfish sometimes – especially when I want to see a particular movie that no one else wants to see – but, for me, the important thing is to realize this, get back on track and move on.

   Some of the greatest leaders in the world have been the most unselfish. Jane Addams, the founder of Hull House, took the poor and needy right into her own home.

   Muhummud Yunus, the recent Nobel Laureate, focuses his considerable talents and energy on helping the world’s poorest citizens. This altruism is a universal human trait. Unfortunately, it is no longer one that is valued in America. Our media and popular culture constantly urge us to keep up with the latest gadgets, drive the flashiest car and to constantly fill our closets. We spend our money and focus our attention on sports stars, models, actors and other “personalities,” ignoring the quiet, selfless heroes in every community. It’s ridiculous (to use just one example) that a baseball player can make as much as $25,000,000 per year and an elementary school teacher receives only $25,000.

   Our human survival may depend on changing this perspective. During the last ten years, our economy has grown more global. This economy relies on every one of us, on every person, to communicate and expand the global market. As Thomas Friedman says, we now exist in a flat world. It is really quite amazing. We will need each other more and more in the future. Even the much-discussed “war on terror(ism)” depends on stronger communication between each other and between different governments and cultures.

   St. Paul, one of Jesus’ apostles, wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Let each of you look out not only for your own interest but also to interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:2-5). Jesus gave his life for humanity, like the countless martyrs who followed in his footsteps, from Oscar Romero, gunned down while saying Mass to Gandhi, assassinated by one of his own people.

   Recently, I was upset about something, and sulked about it for awhile, before complaining about it to God in prayer. I vented, saying, “What about me? Why do these things have to happen about me, when I always go out of my way to help others?” God’s response was prompt. “Excuse me – it’s not about you,” He admonished. Shut me right up. How true, I thought, realizing that I had, once again, gotten away from my highest goal in life: to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and the other selfless, giving ones who showed the way. If I can do a small fraction of what he did, what an amazing blessing that would be!

   Wes Clark embodies that spirit of unselfishness. When he was asked to help other Democrats campaign in the mid-term elections, he did not hesitate to help, constantly traveling the country to support and help candidates and campaign.

   When representatives from Congress asked for his help, he provided valuable input, gravitas and authority on foreign policy and geopolitical affairs. Helping veterans and military families is just one more area in which he has helped. Most of all, General Clark actually takes the time to listen to what his supporters have to say and thinks that “We the People” – the ordinary citizens – have something to contribute.

   As I listen to and watch Wes Clark, he reminds me of both Jesus and the Apostle Paul, as well of all the other great people who put others before themselves and lead by example. His example inspires me to follow. Imagine a world where everyone thought of others. With just doing a few simple things each month, we could all make the world a better place, whether by volunteering our time, giving to charity or even buying an extra pack of noodles for a food bank when we buy our groceries. Everyone has something different to offer – but everyone has something to offer, some gift to give. All of us, working together, can make a difference – on a tiny scale, a huge scale or somewhere in between.

   As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Faith Watch

As mentioned above, service can be a huge as running a non-profit organization or as small as buying extra groceries for a food bank. Below is a list of charitable organizations that need volunteers, funds or both.

Habitat for Humanity: dedicated to providing lower-income people with the opportunity to own their own homes.
http://www.habitat.org

Boys and Girls Clubs of America: an organization that provides children with safe, happy and fun activities.
http://www.bgca.org

Big Brothers, Big Sisters: matches children with an adult mentor.
http://www.bbbs.org

The United Way: one of the largest charitable organizations in America.
http://national.unitedway.org

Mercy Corps: an organization dedicated to alleviating suffering and poverty worldwide.
http://www.mercycorps.org/

The United Service Organization: provides support to our men and women in uniform.
http://www.uso.org