Stories

When I was growing up, my parents used to tell me not to complain about my own life when I didn't know what other people were facing. There was the famous quote about "walking a mile in someone else's shoes." No matter where I turned there would be someone else facing a much worse battle than myself.

Lately, I've taken the time just to listen to other people's stories. Take for instance the manager at the local Mexican restaurant. Since I am eating there about once a week, he has learned my name and often will sit at the table and talk for a few minutes. He was in college in Mexico studying graphic design when his mom went in the hospital and he used all of his money to pay her medical bills. When he ran out of money, he moved to the states to try and make money to help support his mom and to hopefully raise enough so that he could finish his degree. He works about 82 hours a week in order to make enough money to help his family.

Just tonight, I was at Waffle House with a friend. Our waitress was talking about how she had overdrawn her bank account by $13. When the cook asked her why, she began to explain. When she graduated from school she was given $450 as gifts. Instead of being able to save it she gave it directly to her mom so she could pay the bills. When she finally got a job at Waffle House she was able to have some money of her own. She had to loan her mom money just last week and that's when her account was overdrawn.

We never know what other people are facing. As I seek to be more positive this year, I am seeking to help others. Several weeks back I cleaned out my closet and I have multiple bags of clothes to donate to those that need them. I have realized just how blessed I am, and I am seeking to follow Christ's example. I'm listening to stories and I want to help others.