Perhaps Mahatma Gandhi said it best: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” While in college, most students become aware of the intense needs in the world, both globally and locally. However, many students do nothing to promote solutions to the problems observed, using time as an excuse. However, the habits developed during college will strongly determine the lifestyle followed afterwards. I am among one of those who have always tried to do my best to be helpful, yet end in dreaming of magnificent solutions, while taking absolutely no action. I am ready for change, and I recognize that by writing this, I will be eating my words.
Please join me in this unappetizing feast.
Giving can be narrowed down as the result of love. It can also be emotionally driven by pity or compassion, as well as other motives. However, the purest form of giving stems from a loving heart which desires the higher good of another. When a man loves a woman, and desires to spend the rest of his life with her, he will express this by giving her a ring, followed by a ceremony where they will give their very being to each other. At birthday parties, Christmas, anniversaries, baby showers, and many other forms of celebration, gifts are given or exchanged. When a person loves, he or she generally will give.
Easter is quickly approaching. Whether religious or not, it is interesting to note the significance of giving behind this holiday. This is a fun time for plastic eggs, bunnies and candy; but, many will also honor the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 says: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christmas celebrates God giving his son to the world as John 3:16 it says: “God so loved that he gave his only begotten son.” Consider Valentine’s day, Thanksgiving, and other holidays which boil down to one thing: expressing love through giving.
As seen in the previous examples, a gift is not always wrapped in a box. It can be expressed through words, an act of kindness, a physical expression, or the use of time. For a busy mom, a husband helping with the dishes could be a better gift and blessing than a diamond necklace. For someone with poor self-esteem, an encouraging letter or conversation could be the key. Giving may be the outcome of many different molds, but it always requires one thing-action.
If action is necessary for giving, which is a result of love, what are our actions saying? Do we love? Who are our actions showing that we love? I can not believe that an individual has so little love to only give to those in the immediate circle or family. This is showing that the only people in our lives that are important are those we immediately depend on, which of course is not true.
In order to “be the change you want to see in the world,” there is a simple solution- put love into action and do something bigger than serving your self. There are numerous organizations on the Sam Houston campus alone to support. Give blood, help the hungry and Abused, tutor a struggling classmate, give your mom some flowers, just do something. There are other organizations around Huntsville to give time to. It will never be known how much of an impact each person could have on another’s life or the course of the world as each person has the potential to do great things. Perhaps we should start by learning how to meet the most basic needs. We need to learn how to serve. Be the change you wish to see, you may be exactly what is needed.
