We live in a world where our desire to self-satisfy is gradually
outweighing our willingness to help others. The truth is we are a giving
country and people volunteering to help people are a tradition that goes back
to the colonial days of America. Back then settlers came together for survival
and community growth. Their self-sacrifice to work together and overcome obstacles
like devastating illness as well as developing farmland they needed for living
was the beginnings of volunteer work in the states. Read the following simple
timeline for a history of American Volunteer Work- http://charity.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Volunteerism_in_America
Our egos are mostly to blame in this down shift in human
interest. We live in a society where womanizing, getting drunk and drugged up
and generally taking risks without care of repercussion is portrayed in a
positive light. Here is a fine example of twisted perception-
We are programmed from an early age that status and acquisition
of wealth is all that matters. Meanwhile our desire to look and act cool is
slowly killing our best virtue which is generosity. We appear to be weak minded
if we show compassion for our fellow man who is not doing as well as we are.
Even institutions of higher learning, that once were a breeding ground for
bright ideas and positive social change, are merely now just a place we are
told go and do your time as it will net you a big payday, which is far from the
truth.
Where can we change this scary trend in our daily lives? Go
on the internet and search local charities and foundations. I am sure you will
find a cause that will not only be of personal interest to you but also be easy
to get involved with. Expose your children to the thought of kindness towards
others. I suggest bringing them to a retirement home and let them spend time with
the patients. They will get a good feeling from the smiles of the elderly, a
feeling that even Sponge Bob and Ronald McDonald cannot give them. Finally, do
not feel like one person can’t make a positive impact. I am attaching a link to
a foundation I am fond of and want to put a spotlight on. It is proof we can
help people while instilling valuable life skills, not only for the needy but
for ourselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment