Mexico: Reflections on Wealth and Poverty
Everyday is the start of something beautiful. Something real. We are always on the verge of something exciting, my friends.
Why does the thought of living in a third world country for the next two years of my life freak me out a little bit? Folks, I have been living in a third world country for the past four months. I should be a champion by now. Reality is: I haven't really experienced 3rd world living. For example, I am currently writing this post while sipping hot chocolate at a pleasant coffee shop meanwhile the ladies at the table next to me discuss their next Caribbean cruise. This is everything but hardship.
More than the divisions between "poor nations" and "rich nations," I see divisions of "poor people" and "rich people" within each nation. Regardless if you find yourself in the United States or Mexico, Europe or Africa, wherever, you are sure to encounter wealth and extreme poverty alike. Living in "comfort" is what some people strive for. But what does comfort mean? I have been living with all of the amenities that I need and then some - shouldn't that result in a comfortable life? I don't think so. There have been many times when I have felt uncomfortable because I know that I was placed on this earth to do something more...because I know that I haven't reached my true calling yet.
But why does trading comfort for something a little more challenging result in fear? A wise friend told me that perhaps feelings of fear are a good sign...they suggest that a certain decision actually holds weight, that the opportunity is meaningful. In closing I would like to reflect on some great words from Pope Benedict XVI who said, "The world will offer you comfort but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness."
Why does the thought of living in a third world country for the next two years of my life freak me out a little bit? Folks, I have been living in a third world country for the past four months. I should be a champion by now. Reality is: I haven't really experienced 3rd world living. For example, I am currently writing this post while sipping hot chocolate at a pleasant coffee shop meanwhile the ladies at the table next to me discuss their next Caribbean cruise. This is everything but hardship.
More than the divisions between "poor nations" and "rich nations," I see divisions of "poor people" and "rich people" within each nation. Regardless if you find yourself in the United States or Mexico, Europe or Africa, wherever, you are sure to encounter wealth and extreme poverty alike. Living in "comfort" is what some people strive for. But what does comfort mean? I have been living with all of the amenities that I need and then some - shouldn't that result in a comfortable life? I don't think so. There have been many times when I have felt uncomfortable because I know that I was placed on this earth to do something more...because I know that I haven't reached my true calling yet.
But why does trading comfort for something a little more challenging result in fear? A wise friend told me that perhaps feelings of fear are a good sign...they suggest that a certain decision actually holds weight, that the opportunity is meaningful. In closing I would like to reflect on some great words from Pope Benedict XVI who said, "The world will offer you comfort but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness."
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