Too Much

Has there been a time that  you felt “my life sucks”, this is as worse as it gets, or does it get any worse?  Perhaps you wish, hope or pray (often bargaining) if only you get me out of this one, I will….  I believe that we all have had times that we had to “sink” to, get down with before the climb we make, makes sense. 

A person who lives in a friends building has two jobs, he makes just around $1,000each month.  While at a holiday party I met this person.  My friend shakes her head not understanding why and how this guy can STILL be so happy go lucky and smiling all the time, it almost annoys her. His salary supports,  him, his wife, 2 children and in wife’s parents.  He shared his story…

While living in India, he was really feeling low and was touring the country after a major setback. He said that right in front of his very eyes, he saw an Indian mother chopped off her child’s right hand with a chopper. The helplessness in the mother’s eyes, the scream of the pain from the innocent 4 years old child haunted him until today. You may ask why did the mother do so, has the child been naughty, was the child’s hand infected??

No, it was done for two simple words — to beg. The desperate mother deliberately caused the child to be handicapped so that the child can go out to the streets to beg. I cannot accept how this could happen, but it really did, just in another part of the world which I don’t see.

Taken aback by the scene, he dropped a small piece of bread he was eating half-way. And almost instantly, flock of 5 or 6 children swamp towards this small piece of bread which was then covered with sand, robbing of bits from one another. The natural reaction of hunger. Striken by the happenings, he instructed his guide to drive him to the nearest bakery. He arrived at two bakeries and bought every single loaf of bread he found in the bakeries.

The owner is dumbfounded , but willing sold everything. He spent less than $100 to obtain about 400 loaf of bread (this is less than $0.25/per loaf) and spend another $100 to get daily necessities. Off he went in the truck full of bread into the streets. As he distributed the bread and necessities to the children (mostly handicapped) and a few adults, he received cheers and bows from these unfortunate. For the first time in life he wonder how people can give up their dignity for a loaf of bread which cost less than $0.25. He began to ask himself how fortunate he is as a Singaporean. How fortunate he to be able to have a complete body, have a job, have a family, have the chance to complain what food is nice what isn’t, have the chance to be clothed, have the many things that these people in front of him are deprived of…..

This is a time of year that we must all think about where we have been, where we are at and where we want to go.  It is also important to reflect, and not just in December, but year round people!  Be thankful for what you have and be grateful for what you DON’T have! 

I have had some very humbling moments in my life.  They helped me understand that I put my pants on the same way as everyone else, regardless if I found them in the street, if they were a gift or if I paid the finest tailor to sew them.

Cars, homes, bank account, clothes, and everything in between… just tools, often in excess of what we really need or can afford.  Getting back to the basics, not keeping up with anyone and sharing with others because it is the RIGHT THING to do… not because of someone preserved sense of entitlement.  Her is to 2012. 

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One right thing at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals