How do you want to be remembered?

Selflessness is lacking. People are left needing, hurting, begging and praying. Haiti is only the latest in a seemingly endless line of tragic events that appear to target the under equipped nations of the world. Over the last five weeks or so, I’ve written roughly 10 to 15 essays that I deemed good enough to save and file away. Since I have very low standards for myself, I actually keep all of the garbage that I write. Within many of my compositions, I’m beginning to notice a “preaching” tone. All too often I focus on the big picture, examples being the Haiti tragedy and the sadly ignored worldwide water crisis. I feel as though I’ve been looking at the world through one eye, completely ignoring the local efforts within reach.

Sure, it’s great to think and act upon large-scale issues, but does our naivety result in ignorance towards efforts in our own communities? I’ve come to the realization that I have all but ignored many of the efforts within the Oxford area, instead focusing on international interests. I’ve donated around $95 to the Haiti effort (Doctors without Borders, RedCross, Yele, Parrish’s Fundraiser), but yet the only times I’ve donated money to local efforts are when live music is involved. After 4 years in Oxford, I’m guessing I’ve donated $15 to the Yocona River Inn reconstruction project (Proud Larry’s show) and $10 to the Oxford Animal Shelter (Farmhouse fundraiser party; Props to Preston for that one). I’ve had the phone number of Oxford’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters program on my nightstand for the last year. I mean to call, but I haven’t, and that isn’t good enough. I’ve intended to spend an afternoon at the animal shelter helping their undermanned staff, but I watch crappy daytime television instead. These are only two examples, but you get the picture.

William Winter once spoke of Eudora Welty’s “unfailing faith in the basic goodness of the everyday people that she knew and loved and her disdain for the arrogant and the pompous.” Governor Winter’s words have stuck in my head and I think about them often. I think we all, to varying degrees, have a desire to help and bring happiness to the lives of others. Our faults lie within a simple failure to commit the effort, even when it is something as simple as taking a dog for a walk or tossing around a football with a disadvantaged kid. These simple acts also serve to keep our feet planted on the ground with an eye on what really matters. Within today’s self-absorbed, frenzied world, everyone could use an unconventional mirror.

When we fear that our goals exceed our means of contribution, we should accept the challenge and embrace the qualities with which we have all been blessed. We all should force ourselves to spend a Sunday afternoon volunteering somewhere new. Who knows, we might actually find something we enjoy more than “Saved by the Bell” reruns. Take some books to a local orphanage and read to the children. You might just find yourself with twenty new friends who think you’re awesome. The pursuit of improving someone else’s quality of life will undoubtedly be reciprocated. Too often I forget that the benefit comes from the effort, not the ideal. Life is fragile, take pride in your legacy. How do you want the people in your life to remember you? Together we can all improve the world, even in our own backyards. All you need is a little effort and an “unfailing faith” in your neighbors.

Your preaching neighbor,
Hunter Hood