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| Illustration by Scott DuBar |
I went to Haiti and nothing happened. I was not changed. I was not tapped on the shoulder. I do not want to dedicate the rest of my life to helping the starving children. This is due, in part, to the fact that I did not meet or see any starving children while I was there. If I had I might feel differently, but as things stand I might not even want to go back there. Consequently I am once again facing the dilemma of how to best use the rest of my life. So far I have volunteered for too many organizations to count here in the United States, and I have never once felt that my efforts were necessary. All too often, volunteer programs exist to help the people who are doing the volunteering feel valued rather than helping anyone else.
The good news is that earlier today I read in a magazine--admittedly the lowest form of reading but still we do have them lying about following a fundraising effort on the part of some local high-school students last year--that the number one purpose of life is to enjoy it. The bad news is that to enjoy it, some people need to feel as if they are fulfilling a purpose other than mere self-gratification. I am one of those.
Bummer.
1) I think you have been changed -- perhaps only in a small way but still -- by your trip to Haiti
ReplyDelete2) I agree about the enjoying life part
3) Fulfilling a purpose . . . the hard one . . . the bummer yeah . . . I satisfy myself with "feeding my family" . . . but you nurture the family more than me . . . it is an awesome contribution . . .
4) More than almost anyone I know you spend your time thinking about others . . . that is a purpose larger than yourself . . . you do it constantly you just don't notice it. I met a guy once who said the secret to life was to do one selfless thing each day. If you looked, you will see that you do several every day . . . take notice and you might feel more fulfilled!
5) missing a period after self-gratification
love love i miss you today sweetie
thanks honey, especially the typo....:)
Deleteis there a way I can get an email notification when you enter a new blog.....because I only just happened upon this one.....I fear I may miss something.
ReplyDelete