Day Momo (Des Moments) August 1st-15th
Not too long ago, I stepped foot in Haiti. I did not know what to expect. I knew it recently became the poorest country in the World.
I walked off the bus. I was immediately embraced with love. A feeling I will never forgot. My fellow donors and I were welcomed with hugs and smiles. These hugs and smiles came from the Haitian families living in the homes we helped build.
It was a timeless moment. At that moment I felt purpose. I felt something greater than myself.
This is what I realized during my Haiti trip. I have a higher calling and higher purpose. And we all do while we live on this earth.
We have something within to ignite the World with joy and happiness. We have the power to improve those around us, give direction to those that are lost, give hope to those in despair, and give help to those that are in need.
We have a responsibility. As we enrich and improve our own lives, we must bring others up with us, and help those that are less fortunate.
I couldn’t have found a better visual depiction of this responsibility than traveling to Haiti, and witnessing their way of life.
Their way of life is a different World from most others. Their way of life has put a new definition on priorities. That definition is: wake up in the morning, find water to drink, food to eat, and cloths to wear.
Furthermore, to witness the way of life of children in an orphanage was more stimuli to realize a higher purpose. These children reside without parents or family, either from the 2010 Earthquake or simply from neglect. They live off one meal a day, bunk in a 300 sq ft bedroom with up to 16 other children, and maybe have one change of cloths.
And yet, I witnessed something remarkable. They were HAPPY. They lived a happy, child’s life. They played, they laughed, they lived. They lived with joy, ease, and lightness. It was a profound moment.
Their way of life gave me ultimate perspective, and MEANING.
The Two Meanings of Life I realized from these people:
- Be GRATEFUL for everyone moment, every breath we inhale. We have it so good. Life is an amazing blessing. Be present, and don’t let mind games ruin your presence. The dwelling of the past, or yearning for the future, destroys our enjoyment of the moment. If you think you have it tough, think about the people in Haiti, struggling to find water. Think about the children, enjoying life abundantly, in a country filled with strife. Do this, and you just might think differently about priorities and values.
- LIVE your HIGHER PURPOSE AND CALLING – to give as we grow. This is not about sacrificing your own endeavors or life in order to give alms. It’s not about sacrificing your own personal achievements and pursuits. It’s about giving as you grow. It’s about aligning your life and your goals to help others along the way and pull them up with you. This is not about Haiti. This is about human beings in the World.
“Be the change you want to see in the World.” – Gandhi
Gandhi’s philosophy can only be realized if we as individuals find, accept, and live our higher calling and purpose.
The Time Is Now.
Joe Metcalfe
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