Giving and faith and a bit off subject...

I am constantly awed by non-profits that serve the poor, hungry, sick and all those in need.  Yesterday we received a magazine from 'Food for the Poor' out of Florida.  Containing profiles of the people reached and those working to help them, it is entirely inspiring and just plain beautiful.

To read about and imagine the immense need endured - the pain, the violence, living conditions, ah, I mean, man!  Basic needs (that I take for granted) so far from being met - so out of reach.  To not be able to give your kids enough to eat?  To not feel safe in your own 'home' = even a shack, tarps, boards and not knowing how or when you will be able to get a drink of clean water?  Let alone washing self, dishes, clothes?  It's unthinkable, isn't it?!?!?  People, all ages, experience it - it's a reality for too many people.

It's so overwhelming - thinking of all of the people suffering in our world.  Yet, in this magazine and the literature from World Vision - countless testimonials from those in need - they pray and thank God for what they do have and remain faithful - they're grateful and hopeful.  Who am I?  Gas prices?  Computer too slow?  Stubbed my toe?  Got cut off in traffic?  Wait in a long line?  And as one of the workers/servers involved stated as a great reminder to me - makes you appreciate what you have - to not take it for granted - and of course, to not make a mountain out of the molehill of little daily injustices and selfish, petty thoughts.

We sponsor two kids in Bolivia and Uganda through World Vision and periodically humbly give to some of the awesome local charities as well as some national ones.  I feel good about it though our gifts may be small - I believe they need funding of all sizes - but there's a call and I feel an obligation to act.  Some day I want to do a mission trip…or become more involved personally with a charity in addition to giving financially where I feel a bit on the perimeter of the true need.

To those who serve, as a citizen of the world, thank you for being involved and selflessly helping others - next door, down the street, in your city, state, country, another country.  I stand in awe and adoration of your good deeds, sacrifice and selflessness.  God bless you and all of us on our own paths.