So many people I today’s society have the attitude of “I’m here, what are you going to do for me or give me?” Why? Do they just feel that because they are here, they are owed something? The mentality of those folks drives me crazy!
Here are examples of two different attitudes yet in similar situations:
Tim, some friends, and I went on a trip to Africa. As we were driving back from a white-water adventure, we were sitting in the back of what looked like a canvas covered military vehicle. The side flaps were open not only so we could get a breeze flowing through, but so we can see the scenery of the villages and countryside we were driving passed.
Our group had already distributed school supplies to a group of children and given extra clothes to some of the nearby villagers. Giving to others felt so humbling and honored. (Ahhh, what a trip! As I am writing this short illustration, the whole ten day trip brings back awesome memories. I am ready to go back!) Anyhow….as we were bumping along the unpaved road we noticed a lady sweeping the dirt, yes, dirt, with a homemade broom, around her small hut, taking pride in how it looks. The family’s hut appeared to be about as large as my family room. Another woman was balancing a five gallon container of pumped water on her head as she was walking back from the nearest water station to her hut, and smiling as we drove passed. There were three small children singing and playing on the side of the road. When we drove by we threw out the shirts from our backs, literally, to give to the family. The clothes ended up landing on the ground, but the receivers were so excited. The smiles on their faces, the erratic waving of their arms as their arms danced in the air for gratitude, and the shouts of “Thanks” from their native tongue were priceless.
I instantly, and sadly, thought, “If I would have done that in my country, most likely I would have gotten a different response. The receiver would have ungratefully shouted some obscenities to us for dirtying up the clothes as they landed on the ground, or would have taken the clothes, but stuck their hand back out as if to say, “What else do you have for me?”
I’m sorry for feeling so cynical. Now, I’m not saying that the last reaction would apply to all who are in a difficult situation, not at all, but I’ve just seen the ungrateful reaction so many times before, that it saddens me.
Today’s verse reminded me of the differences in those scenarios. It says in Proverbs 19:15, “Life collapses on loafers; lazy bones go hungry.” or “Laziness brings on sleep, and an appetite for rest brings on hunger.”
The villagers in Africa didn’t seem to be loafers. It was evident that they were working hard to survive and took pride in what little they did have. They were happy. And that makes giving to people with a grateful attitude that much easier and gratifying.
People who are lazy and expect handouts, make me shake my head and wonder why. Why can’t people just simply pick up the trash in their yard and around their home? Why can’t people stop relying on others to provided for them when they are completely capable mentally and physically? Why do people have to use our government the way they do, without working for something, in order to live the life the want to live? That’s not living. That’s me paying for you to have a living.
Now, I’m not talking about folks who truly have a disability that enable them to provide for their family and work. You know who I’m talking about…Lazy people!
I feel like I’ve gotten slightly on one of my “social-soap-boxes” today, which I normally don’t do, but this is what was on my mind.
Please have an appetite for life, love, and hard work. Have an appetite to want to know more about God and His word. Have an appetite to give and to live!
Blessings to you.
