Having Vusi stay with us for a few days has really highlighted how much I take for granted. His wonder at and enjoyment of things I see as completely normal, like having a microwave or a TV or being able to drive to work instead of walking, makes me take stock of how truly blessed I am and be grateful for what I have.
Going to movies, eating at a restaurant or being able to bath every night are suddenly awesome privileges I enjoy instead of routine parts of life. Having my own computer and a job that covers the bills (even if it's not my first choice in what I'd like to do) are bonuses that millions of people don't ever get to have.
Vusi's gratitude at the smallest things - a jacket and old cellphone that TSC no longer uses and a shirt I bought for a friend that didn't fit - stirs me to want to help those who have less than I do. TSC is helping him to draw up a well-formatted CV to try to get him more work, and such a small thing that takes up maybe an hour of our time may perhaps help this young guy to climb up another step in the food chain.
It's that whole starfish story again - the moral is help those you can... it may change a life more than you can imagine. In South Africa, where there's a beggar on every street corner, it's good to remember that. I don't believe giving R5 to every guy who asks me for money is the answer (I'd be broke in two days), but I do think that instead of letting the problem of poverty overwhelm me, I should do what I can do to help.
Small things like donating my old clothes, buying baby food for a struggling mom or teaching someone basic computer skills CAN make a difference. My mom is on the committee of a children's home and I'm sure there are ways I can pitch in there. Hmmm... ideas...
Vusi may be heading home tomorrow morning, but he's definitely leaving us with lots to think about.
And I leave you with this to think about...
8 comments:
Its amazing how much I, and most people, take forgranted. I also want to find ways to help people less fortunate...Ive been thinking about this alot lately...
Nice post.
:)
Have a good weekend
thats quite a sobering thought, we realy do take so much for granted. Thanks for pulling back to earth a little bit! I will try and help others a little bit more in future!
Nice post. Thanks for reminding us that we can make a big difference in someone else's life by giving just a little bit. And as you say,it's not always about money.
REally cool post.
thank you for this reminder. it's so easy to forget and i realize that i feel so much better when i keep in mind all i have to be grateful for.
x
I'm not a selfish person but my giving away bone only comes when I need to give stuff away to make space for my new things so I am regularly cleaning out my room for extra space (My interest in things doesn't last for very long and my room seems to be a den for people to hang out so therefore I have a BIG PILE of things in my room most of the time) so I always do my bit...
But more often then not it goes to the lady who cleans our house or I make a bag and give it to my mom who has her own plans for such things... but she's also a hoarder so she ends up stacking them in the garage sometimes... it's annoying.
I'm always in two minds though about giving anything to anyone who hasn't earned it. Like I can never give anything to homeless people who sit on the road- I mean; offer to cut my grass; I'll make you a sandwiche and some cool drink and give you some money to go home with but to just sit there and expect money- it REALLY makes me mad- I work for MY money; if you want some of it come work for it.
Unless you're my child (of which I have none- so I'm more selfish I think above all.
but sweet post :P
I liked this - thanks for this :)
I liked this - thanks for this :)
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