This world really is a peculiar place. I've been on an elimination diet to check for food allergies and sensitivities. I can't eat a list of 15 things, and it boils down to the fact that I can't have any wonderful desserts unless it is Coconut Bliss ice cream or dark Theo chocolate (because it's not made with soy lecithin).
I just got off of work early...well I'm 'working from home' right now...which I will start in about 5 minutes...I promise. On my way home, I stopped by my local and wonderful over-priced food store that I love so much. I got 3 bars of Theo choclate (which should last me about 3 days ;-). I pay the cashier the 10 dollars and change that it comes out to and then open my first package of chocolate on the way to the car. At which point it dawns on me that I just spent more on chocolate than over 1 billion people in this world have to spend on their entire existance for over 1 week...those that live on less than $1/day.
This chocolate purchase doesn't even count the amount that I spent on lunch or rent (which is more than $20/day on its own) and the excessively high amount it will cost to get my DOG vaccinated at her yearly appointment later today.
Oh this WORLD! It's crazy! Why was I so fortunate to be born in this country? why was I given these opportunities? What would I be like if I would have been born in a grass hut in Ethiopia? What person would I be?
I have these thoughts on a daily basis and every time I wonder what to do with them. Do I push them out of my head 'well, Liane, that's just the way it is...you aren't the girl in a hut in Africa...live in YOUR reality.' Or do I take the pitty road 'Why did you buy that chocolate, Liane? You could have saved that money and then paid for 3 children to be vaccinated against pneumonia, which would save lives...NEVER AGAIN buy chocolate!'
Neither of these answers are the right one, but I certainly feel like there is more that I could do. I am comfortable here in Seattle. I make a good wage and I sit in a comfy chair all day. Yes, I work for a non-profit that does amazing things for this world, but what do I do? How do I find the time in the day? I'm currently volunteering at 2 different places, and taking a class about how to be an effective non-profit board member...but I still don't feel like it's enough.
What is this need for me to help others? Is this a good need or some section of me that wants to play God? Should I just leave it up to Him to fix everything, or should I make an effort?
WHEW...I think the caffeine in that chocolate kicked in :-)
