a call

"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand."

-Chinese proverb

 Do you find this to be true for yourself? I do. I think of all the times I've sat in conferences listening to speakers talk about their calling in the world, to give, to serve, to be selfless. They commonly show slides and short films on why everyone else should do it too- an attempt to pull on people's heart strings and bring the depressing subject to everyone's reality.

I've watched those videos and without fail have sobbed my eyes out every time always thinking in my head, "I'm so ungrateful, and I'm so undeserving of what I have." How often did I leave those moments of selfish realization and sincerely felt called to action? To be honest, not once.

 So that brings me to this proverb's way of thinking. For me, it applies. I have been involved in some service projects here and there and a few mission trips- was obligated to at some times- but every time I am there doing the work (shoveling, folding laundry, cleaning toilets, gardening, painting, cooking) I feel very humbled and my own soul slaps me in the face. It's not until I have dirt on my pants and sweat on my forehead that I realize the importance of taking time out of my precious life to give back to others. It's not until the end when I'm hugged by a property owner, or homeless woman, or a diseased child- not until then do I understand what other people are going through and how I ignore it on a daily basis.

So here's some encouragement to you and myself- what ways (small or large) can you start to give back? In what ways can you show that you care about someone else? I really want to start making this a focus in my life...

Leaving you with another quote by Horace Mann: "We must be purposely kind and generous, or we miss the best part of existence." Just think about it.

love you e,
love t.