Take A Moment

Most all of us have busy lives, and we all have our own hardships and nuisances. There was terrible traffic. The boss asked you to stay an hour overtime. You missed an episode of your favorite show. Someone cut you off on the drive home. But how big are these things, really? How much trouble do they actually cause in your life?

Right now, there are thousands of people in Haiti who are without food, water, shelter, or clean clothes. There are people who are stuck in the rubble left by the earthquake, uncertain if they will survive another night lost in the remains of what once was their own home. Many people are still missing their loved ones- missing sisters, husbands, mothers, sons, and friends, hoping that fate will show them mercy and they will see those loved ones again. Bodies lay strewn in the streets, some covered in whatever piece of cloth may have been lying around, some just basking in the sun.

Now, traffic doesn't seem so bad, does it? Tuesday I was having a bad day at work- I had a couple of rude callers, and someone insulted me. I came home feeling down, as though it was just so unfair. Then I turned on the news and saw the state of things in Haiti and realized- so what if someone called me a name? Big deal. So what if someone was rude to me? It doesn't make a bit of difference in my life. I'm blessed- I know where my loved ones are, I have a place to sleep, I have food to eat. Sometimes we may take these things for granted, but really we very fortunate to have the things we do.

When it comes down to it, all we truly have is each other. Sometimes we need to reach out and lend a hand, a happy thought, a prayer or whatever we can to help another human being in need. In fifty years, what are you going to remember more about January 2010- it's not going to be the plot of that show you just have to see, it's not going to be how much traffic there was, or how much overtime you had to work, but you will remember that you reached out to help someone, and I assure you that even if they don't know who you are, they will remember it the rest of their life as well. It is a special kindness, a unique love that can be passed. The thing about kindness, generosity, and love is that the more you give them away, the more you will receive.

If you can spare a few dollars, make a donation to the Red Cross by clicking here. If you can't spare any money, then take a moment- Take a moment to reflect on your life, all of the "hardships" that you deal with, and see if they really are as bad as they could be. Say a prayer for Haiti, send them some hopeful vibes, or just think happy thoughts for them- whatever you believe in. Remember what is important in life, remember about love.

Donate to the Red Cross