My first blog. How cute. I suppose I should feel some sort of triumph in putting flesh to plastic as I pound away on the keyboard. Instead, I almost feel contrite for believing I can add meaningful observations to the world in which we live. For it is the world in which we live that I feel coerced to build a vault that will house my questions, ponderings, amplifications and maybe even answers.
Today, problems persist and peace eludes. The difference in 2011 is we have the ability to know about a specific need on the other side of world but more importantly, if we have a computer, it probably indicates we have the means to assist. I think of the homeless facebook advocate I just read about: Eric Sheptock. He has made the front page of the Washington Post and home page of CNN for his advocacy of the homeless in Washington, DC. It is people like Eric that frustrate and inspire me. If he can do what he does with no home no car and no job, what can I do with all three and much more?
The reality is we all do a lot..for ourselves. I would like to move beyond the point where I am constantly thinking about my own well being and to the point where I think enough that I am compelled to place other’s interests above mine. We can either seek gold or the golden rule.
Since living in Japan, I have increasingly thought about how I measure success. How can I beef up my resume? How will I use my graduate degree? What salary is too low? But every now and then another voice emerges in my brain and asks questions like who can I help today? How can I volunteer my resources? How can I love others better? These are the questions this blog will ask.
Ah yes, here it comes: the purpose of the blog. Very simply I want to amplify and understand how the golden rule of loving our neighbor is being carried out around the world. And maybe, just maybe, in the process the writer and readers of this blog will think and act beyond themselves.
