As kids we remember approaching other kids who are hurt or feel sad and just want to comfort them. We would would start to feel sad when we see other kids feel sad. It is our natural instinct to cater to those in need or weaker than us but is that instinct still with us as we become adults? Yes, it is still in all of us but with the pressure of society we have suppressed that instincts and have put forth the instinct of the survival of the fittest in the for front instead.
As we journey through life, we slowly believe that this natural instinct to cater to those in need is not as important because, “I” must come before “you” and “we”. We tend to gather at parties and social events with people who are similar to us. We want to be in the presence of people who are in higher status than us.
An interesting question if you were to ask anyone at a social gathering, who would you like to sit and eat dinner with? It is 99% guaranteed that the answer would probably be something along these line based on our times.
“ It would be Elon Musk, Steve Jobs or Jeff Bezos, I would love to see what is in their mind and to learn what they have that makes them successful.” Not too many people would give an answer such as “It would be with the homeless that I see on the street, the victims of human trafficking, the abused victim, or that person who lost everything.” Why is that we are ashamed to be in the presence of those who may have less than us or who’s life is not so glorified? Those people could be a mother/father, sister/brother, friend, teacher, or co-worker. They have a place in our society also.
In our childhood years we were able to show our love and reach out but as adults we are afraid to reach out. Yes, it does take courage to reach out to those that are different from us but the impact that it will make on you and that person is far greater. The next time you are at any social gathering, look to see how you can give your love and time to someone who may need it. The greatest gift you can give someone is to give them compassion. Our world needs more from each one of us, which is giving compassion and showing less contempt.
“Not all of us can do great things, But we can do small things with Great Love.” –Mother Teresa