Sunshine and Whimsy

Many times, more often than any of us would like, we see places that are devastated by natural disaster, families that lose everything to a house fire, a town that is destroyed by flooding, or earthquakes, entire countries that are are on the brink of disaster because of war or famine. It's overwhelming. Truly and utterly overwhelming. We want to help, we really do, but the scope of the situation is so completely uncomprehendable, that we don't know where to start.

Sound familiar? I know it does to me!

I saw a spot on tv the other day that has inspired me. It was about a boy who saw the same things we did, but at the tender age of 4, he didn't just say "it's too much, what could I possible do that would make a difference?" At that amazingly young age, he took steps to work for change.

I don't remember what it was that spurred him on to action, but he saw something on tv that moved him. It was a hurricane or an earthquake, something like that. He had a bake sale to raise money to send to this afflicted area. At age 4, he did more than most of us ever think of doing. Think about it, he took the time, he baked treats and goodies, set up the table, let people know about it and then rather than using that money for himself, he sent it to people who truly needed it. At age 4.

Over the next few years, he continued doing this sort thing. As disasters would hit areas of the world, he would organize fundraisers and send money.

Now, he is the face of youth for UNICEF. Again, forgive me, I don't know the details, this was a quick spot I saw on tv. When the earthquake hit Haiti, he challenged children all over Canada to help raise relief money.

They raised over 1 million dollars.

This is an inspiring story to me. A child, a young person has done more for others in his short life than I have done in my almost 40 years.

It also shows something else to me, not just my shortcomings. It shows me that little things count. Little things add up to big things. He started with a bake sale. A simple little bake sale in his front yard. Nothing huge, nothing overly organized, just a heart for others and a willingness to work.

What can you do? If a 4 year old child can do that, what can you, as a full grown adult do if you put away your excuses and have a heart to give?

Just think. If everyone did that, if we all stopped making excuses, stopped saying "it's too big. What can I do? I have no money to send." or whatever your excuse of the day is, imagine what a difference we could make to those who truly need our help.

Will you join me? Will you take the step to stop making excuses and just do something? It doesn't need to be big, it just needs to be something.