I live in a crazy unpredictable world, but there are a few things I know for certain. First, I know I believe in God. I believe in love, hope, happiness, and destiny. I know that family is forever, but family does not have to be blood. I know Chocolate can fix any broken heart, and Coke tastes best out of glass bottles. Finally, I know we all possess the ability to change the world for the better. All of us. It doesn’t matter how much money, what abilities, or what resources are available anyone can change the world. It all starts with one simple thing. Attitude. This step is the most crucial, yet it’s the one that most people are unable to reach, and unwilling to reach this first step, so many people sacrifice the power they have. In 1985 the hit song, “We Are The World.” was released. My favorite part of the song has always been:
“We can't go on pretending day by day
That someone, somehow can soon make a change
We're all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There is a choice we're making
We’re saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me”
I love this part because it so beautifully points out what the problem with today’s society is. So many people are so quick to point out what’s wrong, but sit back and wait for someone else to fix it. However, with everyone sitting and nobody acting, all that’s been achieved is that the problem has been pointed out. All it takes is one person, who is willing, to not point out what the problem is, but act on it. These are the people who ignore the obstacles in front of them that so many people use as their excuse not to serve. Too many people discredit the work that they can do or the money they donate. “It’s just a dollar.” or “I’ll just be serving soup.” are thoughts keeping people away from serving.
Service is like the snowball effect. Sure, you may just be donating a dollar, but if everyone in your school or community donated a dollar, then that amount of money, combined with all of the other schools, can add up to be a lot. You serving soup may not seem like fancy work, but with you working, more people get food for that day, and that’s most definitely worth your time. It only takes one time, being on the other side, and need service to understand how important your actions are. People may try to judge you, or what you do, but even if in your entire life, you only help five people, it may not seem like a lot as a whole or in total, but it was worth it to those five people you helped. People may try to discredit what it is that you’re doing, but remember this one simple thing: If you are not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
