Charity

   All around us we are consumed and self-absorbed in one very dangerous idea.  As nature would have it, we look after ourselves first in all we do and all we say. Then we make excuses for it and act like it’s not a big deal. As the premise and future standard for most of what I write, I’m going to attempt to answer these and other seemingly conflicting ideas which may seem basic at first, but if you will bear with me, I can promise an in depth and thought provoking discussion.

   First and for-most allow me to step off the soap box and tell you about myself. I was (and unfortunately still can be) a very self absorbed, stubborn, know-it-all.  Those who know me well know I spent the better part of 3 years playing a video game that pretty much ran my life and my family often times were confined to the back seat.  How sad and how much time I wasted, not as so many would like to say on a “hobby,” but on my self.  Please understand I’m not saying hobbies are a bad thing to have, but few would disagree that over self-absorption only leads to despair. Selfishness, leads to despair. As I sat there night after night, so interested in my own wants and needs with little thought, or effort, towards others I only became a more angry and bitter person.  I noticed the same things happening to all those around me ensnared in self-indulgence. I knew things had to change, things needed to change.

   Overall, things in my life weren’t terrible by any means.  Yet there was a lot of room for improvement. I wish I was perfect, but unfortunately I’m not.  Change was needed, but I had absolutely no for-sight, no ambition, and no will. Many of us today are addicted to things that we would rather not be, and for many, not all, but many it started with selfishness. We crave through nature to take care of our needs first.  This plague which would consume us in a pit of self anguish and quite honestly (eventually) depression, has but one remedy. Charity.

   The greatest and most influential teacher to ever walk the earth taught us the best thing we can do for ourselves and others is to “love one another.” Loving one another is charity. Selfless acts, truly selfless, bring a source of not only joy and happiness, but a greater understanding and closeness with those most dear in our lives. Without being too cryptic, allow me just to say, that as I have adjusted my life to revolve around others, instead of others revolving around me, I am a happier, better, and more loving person.

   Allow me in closing to say that I am a very busy person. I work two jobs, attend school full time, hold a calling in my church, and have a wife and child at home.  I wasn’t always so busy, and for a time would do nothing but play games. As I’ve rearranged my priorities and focused on serving my fellow man, loving my fellow man, I thought to myself, “If I could, would I go back in time to the days when I did nothing but play games all day?” The answer, surprisingly, was no I wouldn’t.  Why? Its simple, I’m happier today focused firmly on family and service, then I ever was focused on selfish desires. I encourage all and can personally promise that as charity becomes the priority in our lives, we will be enriched for it in ways that will open our eyes to greater understanding and progression.

   I’m still making daily mistakes myself, but I always try to follow that great teacher’s example of charity. I always am trying to love one another.