There’s more to this world than just you. There’s more serious problems than when are you going to get everything you’ve ever wanted. There’s more to life than being selfish and only caring about yourself. A whole entire universe exists right outside of “your” world. A universe that can be completely changed if someone like you stepped up and made the difference, a revolution that’s very much needed in this world.
As I sit here and think about those words, I’ve come to realize I am one of these selfish people and that a majority of my time is spent only thinking about myself and how to make sure that I’m the best I can be no matter how I get there. Sure, I do things that may benefit others but its only because it has a secret profit for myself in the long run. In the end though, it’ll only put me farther ahead in my own life. Let’s be honest, most everyone in this world does things like this.
One eye opening experience can change everything or at least that’s what I have been told. It wasn’t until now that I actually believed it. Seeing the world around you and those who live in it struggle each day just to make it to the next can truly change the way someone thinks about the world around them. Opening your arms and your heart to reach a helping hand can completely change someone’s entire life. What most people don’t realize is that it can completely change yours, in the best kind of way. The amount of happiness someone feels could instantly change all because you were there to lend a hand that could make the difference in their life.
My Mercer on Mission trip was this exact eye opening experience that showed me that there is more that I could do to make this world a much better place for someone else. Giving a patient the ability to walk again was way more than just me accomplishing my dreams of building prosthetics. Watching some one take their first steps after 20 years on crutches is beyond mind-blowing. The happiness in their eyes as they walk from one side of the room to the other is one of the most breath taking things I have ever seen. The gratitude and thankfulness just spills from their mouth with no control.
Just by devoting one month of our lives, my team gave 523 people the chance to walk again. A chance to go back to work. A chance to live a normal and joyful life. 523 people, all because 25 students devoted a month of their time. Imagine what the world would be like if more people gave to this world instead of taking from it; if more people added to the plate instead of just greedily eating from it. I can tell you now, this world of ours definitely wouldn’t be about me or you but about us and all of those around us.
