I was so worked up when I left work that I knew the rest of my day was going to have to be a dramatic intervention in my welfare.
So I partook in my favorite activity... drinking coffee and reading a good book (non-fiction for me please).
The book I am reading is called "The End of Food" by Paul Roberts. As I sat drinking my coffee, the book began to describe the plight of coffee growers in Brazil, Vietnam and other developing nations. It explained the perilous cycle of economic depression, overproduction and poverty that has plagued the industry for decades.
I didn't feel bad for drinking the coffee (in fact, we could help the situation by drinking more of it) but I was profoundly struck by how selfish I had become.
Yeah, I worked harder and for more hours than I had planned to today... but I'll get paid a fair wage for it. I may work for more "supervisors" than is prudent... but I have work.
I shouldn't be so quick to forget how privileged I am. My little evening of coffee and reading turned into an attitude adjustment. Thank you God.
I totally know what you mean about an attitude adjustment. I had one when I was working for Hope Clinic. Every time I was there I would come across people at their worst. They would be in dire need of money, job, food etc and at times I could do nothing to help them. Sometimes all I could offer was a hug and a prayer.
ReplyDeleteIt really does make you think about what you have in life and how blessed we are to be so secure. It really hits me hard when I think about how there is so much injustice in the world. To know that people in these poor countries suffer like they do is heartbreaking.
For me, I can get wrapped up in my life and forget about all those people who work so hard for no money. I can forget to be thankful for all God has given me.
oh on another note...if you want to read another Food book, my sister says "Omnivores Dilemma" is a great read.