This morning as I drove into work, I noticed the patterns of the red taillights as cars wove back and forth through the heavy traffic. The rain limited my vision, narrowing the world into a wet, grey veil illuminated only by the taillights. I started to enjoy the interplay of the lights, the patterns as some lanes sped up, others slowed down. I thought of all those people driving into work, and how lucky we all were to be employed, and safe and dry and warm in our cars. This led me to think of all those who aren’t so lucky, those without jobs, or without cars, or even without shelter. We so take for granted what we have, and tend to feel down when we can’t get more. I started feeling guilty about how blessed I am, and that I don’t do much for the homeless. Sure, I give to the Foodbank, and Goodwill, and have even served dinner in a homeless shelter. But that is such a miniscule part of all that needs to be done! My mood dropped as I thought about what I should be offering to those who don’t have what they need.
But then, I realized that I’m doing just that very thing. I’ve dedicated my life to helping people find their direction, to bring joy and energy and peace into their lives. They may not be homeless people, but they are in need nonetheless.
I wonder how much of our self-imposed guilt about not doing enough for others is another form of ego-trip. We beat ourselves up for not being giving enough, sacrificing enough, doing enough. If we take a moment to really look at our lives, at what we actually do and the sacrifices we make for others, it can surprise us how much we really do. It might be as simple as a smile and a greeting to brighten someone’s day. Or it might be giving your evenings to comfort a friend who is grieving. And if you’re a parent, you give to your children every waking moment (not to mention the lost sleep!). We do a lot more for others than we give ourselves credit for.
It would be interesting when you start feeling guilty about not doing enough, to sit down and make a list of all the things you’ve done for others during that day. I think you’d be surprised at how much you give to others each day….