This morning as I came out of the back part of the house after getting ready for work, my hubby was sitting in a chair in the front room watching TV. That in itself isn't unusual for he watches the news each morning while I'm getting ready. This morning, though, it was different.
The TV was showing the horrific scene taken 13 years ago when the twin towers were hit by the airplanes and, after a short while, falling to the ground in dust. People were covered in gray ashes, walking around, bewildered, confused, hurt, not understanding what had just happened.
My hubby was fighting tears, as I was, standing there watching it all happen.
From September 11 thireen years ago, life changed for so many people. Families were ripped apart. Never to see each other again, with one parent, or both, or a child, perishing that day. For many of us so far away from that scene it still seems unreal. How could something like that happen in this great country of ours? Haven't we always felt safe here? Who had dared invade our country and do such a self-centered and horrible thing?!
It did happen. My heart still breaks for those who are still hurting so badly from their loss. There are many who are still suffering from breathing the particles of air that was pushed from the buildings. There are many still dying because of what happened that day.
And many hearts grieve for these families.
But life does go on. We are still alive, still able to make a difference in this world. What are we doing? Are we sitting on the couch and waiting for other people to step up and do something? Or are we seeing things that we can do and touching lives however we can? Are we making a difference?
I like to think that most people are making a difference, and not finding excuses. People have always been full of excuses. They will throw in a dollar or two when a specific charity is needing donations, but ask them to participate in doing something, and they balk. I must admit that I sometimes fall in that category. I used to throw myself into charities and do things and be really involved. I can't tell you exactly what happened. Why I quit participating. I know even my little bit did make a difference, but, I don't do much anymore. And that makes me sad. I used to go feed the homeless at the shelter. That group disbanded. I helped with special olympics. The group I was with did other things after that. I helped cook and serve food at a men's shelter. The small group I was involved with disbanded. I was involved with many other activities helping others. I retired from that company.
Where I am at now has done a couple things like packing boxes at the food bank (but it is on the way south side of town) and collecting Easter baskets for a shelter (which I helped with) and adopting a couple families at Christmas. I've tried to encourage participation in other activities, but I don't get the warm vibes so I just hush. So I look to see what I can do on my own. But then, I haven't gotten that involved either. I have my own reasons for NOT getting involved, but do what I can, when I can.
I like to participate in the 5Ks that come up for different things. Not just the fun ones, but for those that have a meaning. I don't want to do them on my own, can't afford to pay for more than one, and no one else wants to do it. I do donate blood or platelets whenever I can. I feel that helps someone, somewhere. Maybe I just need to search further, to see what I can do.
I want to make a difference. What about you?
Blessings!
No comments:
Post a Comment