So often our attitude is the bigger the better whether talking about a hot fudge sundae or a home or a car or a bandage on a wound or even glory for ourselves. Perhaps we assume the bigger the goal, the more significant the accomplishment. Right?
I propose soul fulfillment is directly related to one’s motives not numbers.
Dreams and goals which are challenging are positive in the sense we are not seeking the easy path toward an accomplishment. Whether we take the easy (most popular) path or the soul edifying path, our goals should be realistic. What are our capabilities? Do we have the motivation necessary to attain our goal, perhaps by stretching our seldom used gifts and talents, or is the dream beyond all realm of possibility? Is our ego too large to take the requisite baby steps as opposed to “I-want-the world-to-take notice” steps?
A noteworthy aspiration, for example, might be feeding the hungry. The estimate of the number of hungry people in the world is an astonishing one billion people. In light of such an astronomical number it would seem totally inconceivable to alleviate the hunger pains of even a minute fraction of those suffering because of inadequate nourishment.
So what is the answer? Let me ask you…how do you climb a mountain? For anyone but an expert mountaineer, it would seem to be an impossible undertaking. Yet for a novice or a mountaineer, the methodology is identical: one step at a time. The same strategy can be utilized to feed the hungry masses. We begin by giving nourishment to just one hungry person. Nourishing one person seems so insignificant considering one billion people are hungry. Yes! Likewise, one footstep up a mountain seems insignificant, but repeated over and over, that one step followed by another and another scales extraordinary heights. Without the seemingly inconsequential first step, nothing would be accomplished.
If each person fed only one individual, the number of people going to bed hungry would be reduced astronomically. What is the significance of only one person being fed? Ask that one person what difference a meal has meant in their life? Remember, the care given that one person has fed not only their stomach, but also their soul knowing someone recognized and responded personally to their plight. The knowledge their life has value is soul food in the truest sense of the word.
And the difference providing food makes to us? We nourish our souls.
The eternally significant question when we reflect on world hunger is how starved is your soul? When was the last time you fed it? Is it emaciated? Jesus said if we feed the least of humanity, we feed Him. When was the last time you fed Jesus?
Most of us are blessed being able to provide meals for ourselves and our families. Keep in mind what we consider a snack would be a feast to someone who is hungry or starving.
If the astronomical figure of a billion starving people seems too high of a mountain to climb, consider taking a baby step. Feed one person in a soup kitchen or utilize the vehicles of national or international charities. One less person will die of starvation
Then, take the next step and engage the help of your friends. The journey toward the mountain’s summit is not so formidable if friends go along.
If you are shy or reticent, imagine the smile on the face of the person you feed perhaps their only meal of the day. Better yet, imagine the smile your action puts on the face of God!
No comments:
Post a Comment