I have the distinct pleasure of working for an organization that provides global service immersion experiences for college men. As part of my job description, I oversee much of the planning and logistics for these experiences, as well as have the opportunity to serve as the facilitator on a trip or two. Having just recently returned from nine days of service and cultural immersion in Jamaica I can easily say I'm on a "service high" right now.
Giving back is a critical part of being a good person, but I'd argue that paying it forward is even more important. Throughout my life I've been privileged to attend good schools and universities, experience the arts and athletics, never have to wonder about my next meal, and always have the proper shoes and clothing for any event. I'm truly blessed and thankful for all of the opportunities I've been afforded and wholeheartedly know that not everyone is as lucky as I have been.
When I think about giving, it often leads me to think in terms of money. Giving to your university through the alumni annual fund, giving to a non-profit that supports education for girls, giving to your church or synagogue to maintain programs and initiatives. Giving is important for us in the philanthropic sense - putting our money where our mouth is and donating a percentage of our income to the causes in which we most believe.
Serving, on the other hand, challenges us to get our hands dirty and do the real work needed to make a change. Serving is the art of paying it forward so that someone you might never even meet has a better opportunity because you put the time, effort, and energy in to make a difference. When you pay it forward, you make the world better by not only recognizing your privileges but also doing something active about it. Serving, while not the intention of it, often has a greater effect on us than those on the receiving end, as it challenges us to look at the world differently, think in a new way, and grow beyond our comfort zones.
Admittedly, I'm not a kid person. I think they're adorable and I'm very happy for all of my friends that are currently in the baby stage of life. I'm blessed to be a Godmother to an adorable four and a half year old boy and lucky to be a pseudo-"aunt" to many others, but I'm still just not a kid person (at least not anytime soon, and that's okay!) This past week, however, made me think about this in a different light. While I might not being running home to have eight children of my own, the smiles on their faces and the laughter that surrounded the multitude of three to six year old children we met this week gave me a feeling of warmth and gratitude beyond what I've experienced before.
We paid it forward.
We built a place for a generation (or more) of Jamaican children to gain an education in a dignified structure. But perhaps more importantly, we reminded them everyday that their dreams are not too big and their goals are not too high - they, too, are special, and have the capacity in them to make a difference for someone else someday, just like we did for them.
Be happy for who you are. Be grateful for what you have.
