Comparison

It’s been a while since I have felt like writing anything. I’ve been in a funk, not feeling like working toward anything that I’ve placed on my list of goals for this year. My mind has been in a fog while I sort through medical issues while trying to make sure that I stay on top of all of my obligations.

Between doctors appointments, working full time, making sure my kids get all of their forms turned in timely for school, being a co-leader to my daughters Girl Scout troop, raising money for a charity walk my family is participating in, and trying to keep some semblance of order and cleanliness around my house- I am just exhausted. My dreams and goals don’t seem to be as important when I feel like I am struggling just to keep my head above water.

But then today I volunteered with the United Way Day of Caring. We signed up to help serve lunch at an organization that assists the homeless and less fortunate with a hot meal and free choice of donated household items, food, clothing and toys. Seeing some of the people that came in for lunch and hearing their stories really blew me away. It made me realize how lucky I am to have a roof over my head, a job that I love, and the money to have a lot of extras in my life.

It really made me think about how my life could have changed if I had made different choices along the way. Where would I be if I hadn’t married my husband? Where would I be now if I let the loss of my son tear me apart? What if I had no resources or support when I wandered through hard times?

Being a part of helping those less fortunate than me really put my life into perspective. Rather than judge the people coming in to have the only meal they will get today, I thought about what my life would look like if I were in their shoes.

Would I have the strength and courage to try and get back up? Would I even have goals for my life? What would my dreams look like?

I am so fortunate and lucky to be where I am today. I have taken my life for granted, and have allowed my fears and doubt to overshadow what I truly want out of life.

So today I am making a promise to myself to not only stop wasting my time, but to do something worth while with the gifts that God has given me. Today I will write, I will focus on my goals, and one day I hope to be able to be supportive of those less fortunately than me.

Today I challenge anyone reading this to appreciate what you have in life. Be grateful for all that you have, and don’t take it for granted. Use your resources wisely, and help others when you can.

It may not change the world, but it can change someone’s life.