Reflections on Priorities

A tragic earthquake struck Haiti earlier this week, killing tens of thousands and destroying many buildings. People down there have few resources to help them clean up and, even with the rush of volunteers and humanitarian agencies doing their best to help, for most of the victims buried under the rubble, it will be too late by the time they're found, from dying of thirst if not from blood loss or infection.

And here I sit in my house, all comfortable and typing away on my laptop. My car sits in the parking space outside my window. My refrigerator is stocked with milk, eggs, butter, ham, and other foods. I have a pantry with cereals, canned vegetables and tuna, all the spices I usually use, rice, etc. I can run the tap at any time and get drinkable water, or turn on the purifier and get nearly perfect water. I'm wearing clothes that are less than two years old. I have a cell phone, too. And there are offices of general practitioners, chiropractors, optometrists, and dentists all within a few miles.

Considering all I have, how is it I'm not more grateful? It is a tremendous blessing to be in this country, or to be in any first-world country. No, my car isn't a Ferrari, my house isn't a mansion (it's not even mine, I rent), and I have no steaks or lobster on hand, but I'm so blessed to be here. Life is good here.

And God put me here for a reason. That reason is NOT to enjoy the good of this land and contribute nothing to those who have less. It is NOT to celebrate my having won the birth location lottery. It is to be a blessing as I am able. "From whom much is given, much is required." And we have been given oh so much.

As we set about giving, let us remember that giving financially or of our time to relief efforts like Haiti is wonderful, but the things of this world will pass away into dust. You and I, all our friends and family, all the buildings that we see, will one day return to the earth as dust and ruins. Only people's souls matter. Give in a way that touches their hearts, that makes them want to know Who you know, that leads them to the Father. The same God Who has given you so much on this earth wants to give everyone infinitely more in Heaven.