my brother's keeper

.
LIFE CHANGING MOMENT #4...
.



As a Christian,
I've made covenants
to be my brother's keeper.

But it was on a trip
to Central America last year 
that I think I really began
to understand
what that might mean.

'D' and 'A' and I
joined a medical group last year on a
humanitarian service expedition
to Guatemala,
and then later to El Salvador.

We worked long, long days
treating patients
who did not have the means
to have these treatments
done on their own.

We treated patients
who had never
seen a doctor or dentist
in their lives.

We saw poverty and need
like I've never seen it before.

We met people who have nothing.
They do without cars,
and carpet, and televisions.
They have no refrigerators,
or dishwashers, or even running water.
All the luxuries--and necessities--
that I consider a
basic and normal
part of my life,
they can't even imagine.

They are humble and beautiful
and gracious and kind.

I wrote once before
about how I felt
and what I thought
I should do about it.
Please read that post 
to get the whole story.

As I said before,
I have struggled
since I came home.
I hear that's kind-of normal.

It's hard to reconcile
having so much when you see
those that have so little.

In the past several months,
I've pondered this a lot.
And I think it's changed me
and will continue
to change me
for a long time.

I've also found that
experiences like this
are only life-changing
if you allow them to be.

I certainly came home
changed emotionally.
But it's really easy
to be back here 
and get very used to
my lifestyle and old habits
and ways of doing things.

Nothing will be different
unless I make a
conscious effort
to be different.

I've narrowed it down
to a few things
I'm trying to focus on.
.

1. Simplify. I really don't need it all, although I don't need to get rid of it all either. But I can simplify my possessions, and my time, and focus on what's most important.
   .
2. .Service. This quote describes it best for me: "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs." Spencer W. Kimball
   .
3. Stewardship. It was such a great experience to serve and give all day long, every day. That was part of the magic of the trip. And I liked the person I was while I was there. I decided I can bring that feeling home and try to be that person here-- within my responsibilities and relationships at home.  

I guess it boils down to this.

I am different. And I hope
I will never be the same.

___________________________

Have you ever
had an experience
that you knew
could change you
if you just worked hard enough
to make the changes last?