I am at peace.
That is such a peculiar statement to make at a time like this in my college career. I have my first exams in the upcoming week, I'm pursuing so many new ideas and opportunities, there's simply so much going on.
But I am at peace.
Tonight, I attended the Fast-A-Thon hosted by Islam on Campus and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As I listened to Omar Suleiman, Imam of Abu-Bakr Mosque in New Orleans, LA, I found myself realizing that the measuring of good deeds in their degree of influence is relatively unneeded, as long as the absolute value of what you've done works to the benefit of mankind. Throughout this evening, I was seated with a man from Pakistan who wore brown shoes, brown pants, and an overflowing white gown. He spoke with a heavy accent, further muffled by the white beard that hung down to the middle of his chest. He was kind, he was caring, and he hopes to make Gainesville a model city for the world. Such hope, such passion. I envy his energy even though he's certainly more than sixty years old.
Which got me thinking, a few dollars in the scope of things can be easily misplaced or easily forgotten. As I check my wallet now, I have $60+ in cash alone. However, with the knowledge that sixty cents can pay for a tetanus shot so that a mother and her unborn child in sub-Saharan Africa is protected from a mortal disease, that money could have a positive impact in the lives of more than one-hundred people.
It was wonderful to be re-inspired, to have hope for the future. I've always been worried that I'll never figure out what I want to do with my life. But I'd certainly like to make a difference in our world. Now and in the future.
P.S. Simply because one single week is too busy to summarize in one post, I'll try my best to share specific moments of joy and hardship as the occasions arise.
But I am at peace.
Tonight, I attended the Fast-A-Thon hosted by Islam on Campus and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As I listened to Omar Suleiman, Imam of Abu-Bakr Mosque in New Orleans, LA, I found myself realizing that the measuring of good deeds in their degree of influence is relatively unneeded, as long as the absolute value of what you've done works to the benefit of mankind. Throughout this evening, I was seated with a man from Pakistan who wore brown shoes, brown pants, and an overflowing white gown. He spoke with a heavy accent, further muffled by the white beard that hung down to the middle of his chest. He was kind, he was caring, and he hopes to make Gainesville a model city for the world. Such hope, such passion. I envy his energy even though he's certainly more than sixty years old.
Which got me thinking, a few dollars in the scope of things can be easily misplaced or easily forgotten. As I check my wallet now, I have $60+ in cash alone. However, with the knowledge that sixty cents can pay for a tetanus shot so that a mother and her unborn child in sub-Saharan Africa is protected from a mortal disease, that money could have a positive impact in the lives of more than one-hundred people.
It was wonderful to be re-inspired, to have hope for the future. I've always been worried that I'll never figure out what I want to do with my life. But I'd certainly like to make a difference in our world. Now and in the future.
P.S. Simply because one single week is too busy to summarize in one post, I'll try my best to share specific moments of joy and hardship as the occasions arise.