It’s Thursday morning. I’ve just enjoyed a nourishing breakfast of orange juice, a bowl of healthy cereal, and a cup of steaming hot tea. And my stomach is pleasantly full.
At lunchtime, I’ll walk to my refrigerator and pull out some leftovers from last night’s abundant dinner. Again, there will be plenty to fill my appetite and ease my growling hunger pain.
When dinnertime rolls around, I have an oven and microwave to help me cook. There’s plenty of food stocked in the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator and my plate will be full.
I own a beautiful and pleasant home. There is a large, comfy bed to sleep in at night. Enough covers to keep me warm when the night turns chill.
I have electricity to give me light or power up my laptop when the battery drains. I have air conditioning when it’s stifling hot and humid outside and a furnace to chase away the cold. My closet is full of clothes and shoes. In my garage, my car waits ready to take me wherever I want to go.
I have a job. I have a loving spouse and family. I have friends near and far. And I have my faith in God.
You see, I am blessed with so much. That’s why when I watched a video on Facebook this morning, I wept. It’s time to make a change.
“I’m starting with the man [woman] in the mirror
I’m asking him [her] to change his [her] ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.” ~ Michael Jackson
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Mama's Empty Nest 
loved the post and video. you are right. being mindful and each of us finding ways to help others each day would be a terrific beginning to a new and brighter tomorrow. thank you for the heartfelt reminder. ❤
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Especially in these times we all need to help one another.
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Powerful! My church keeps a supply of “”manna bags” in the foyer so parishioners can pick some up and keep it in their cars to give out to needy people.
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That’s a wonderful idea, CE! Bless your fellow parishioners for reaching out to others. I love the idea of a ‘manna bag!’
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Oh Cindy — I cried too! Especially when I saw the little children. Thank you for your post, and for sharing this link. It’s so true — the little things make the biggest differences. We believe deeply in gratitude and charity in our family, and when I see that spirit reflected in my kids it just blows me away. People are ready to give, ready to share, they just sometimes need a little encouragement. And everyone needs a chance. Your comment above sounds like you might have a project in the works, huh? 🙂
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I think the children affected me the most too. We do what we can; we’ve sponsored children through World Vision for many, many years, but there is still so much that could be done. Oh yes, when we see that giving spirit in our own children, it gladdens our mamas’ hearts! My kids have all been to third world countries where they’ve seen poverty at its worst, and I’m so thankful to say each one of my offspring has that giving spirit too.
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I believe you are making the world a better in many ways. You are faithful and your faithfulness is seen and known. That is better! Bless you, friend.
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You are such an encouraging friend, Debby! Thank you…but still there is so much more to do.
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I don’t know if this is your thing or not, but there’s a site called Love Letters. It’s all about writing encouraging, kind, uplifting notes and just leaving them in random places for people to find. You ever know who will need that surprise kindness, or who will, at the end of their rope, find that bit of encouragement to get them through another day. They explain it a lot better than I’m doing here, but its pretty amazing to read the site.
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I’ve heard of that, cubbyholes, but thank you for reminding me of that. It’s a wonderful idea!
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When you go to McDonald’s, buy a happy meal, put it in the front seat and give it away at the next red light. Or, pick up some bottled water before you leave the house and some fruit. Absolutely…what am I going to do about it?
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Yes, good ideas. One of my daughters keeps ziplock bags in her car to hand out at stop lights if she sees a homeless person there. The bags contain a water bottle, toothbrush & paste, a pair of new socks, soap & washcloth, and something edible.
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Well said Mama, well said.
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So now that I’ve said the words, what am I going to do about it? That’s my next question.
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We should all live our lives in gratitude and appreciate what we have. At the same time we should willingly give to those who are less fortunate. Many people think change only happens when large numbers of people ‘do’ something, but individuals can have just as much impact when they do just one thing.
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You’re so right, Margo. It only takes one person to make a difference. I think we must get back to believing that. Speak up. Do what is right. Give. Whatever it is.
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