Monday, August 31, 2009

As I sat at the dinner table with my mother, siblings, and Korean exchange student, all of us ruminating on the rather delicious pot roast we just consumed, an interesting conversation began. I don't recall who started it, but it was focused around how my closest siblings somewhat despise me.

Harry and Ellie don't seem to care what I do, and Muffy and Alex are too busy. But Max, Sam, and Oliver (all of whom are within a few years of me) have somewhat hard feelings towards me. They think that I am favored, that I am better, that I am pompous because of what I am doing. They feel like I am fundraising to show them how much better I am, or to win the favor of my parents and peers.

First of all, my mother is the first to say that I'm not that great.

Secondly, I am doing this to include other people, not to separate myself. I strive to engender in others the same kind of passion and feelings of responsibility to help those who suffer that I have been blessed with. This campaign is not about a trip to China, or three months of volunteering. This is a movement. This is about us.
We all have skills that are unique and special. Some people are creative, musically talented, or mathematically inclined. Others know how to cook, to write, to speak before large groups of people. There are those who are good at hugging, who are empathetic, who are able to inspire. And everyone of these people is important. Everyone of their skills is necessary. The people that are at the forefront, those that are the leaders are no better than those who stand in the back and listen, and remember.

We are all here for a purpose. No one knows what exactly that purpose is, but it must have something to do with helping everyone else. By ourselves, as individuals our skills, our abilities are useless. We need others. For no one is good at everything. No one can change the world. That responsibility lies with all of us, and together, if we truly believe in what we are doing, we can move mountains, we can change the world...

So, do what you do, whatever it is, because you are perfect, because you are special, because without you, who is going to make the signs, or write the book, or hug those who need it most.

1 comment:

  1. The Denoncourt's and SPY are so proud of you, Ben! We look forward to hearing from you and reading up on your expedition! :)

    Peace,
    Kellie

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