To think or to act.

Much of what I write in this post is the result of a few conversations with friends and a few observations here and there..

So one day, a friend asks me "I do not want to see any destitute, poor and ragged on the streets. Can we do something about it?". And I said, "Well, what can we do?"

I am sure some of you are with me on this one. Many of us have this latent feeling to reach out and help people in want of need, but fail to do so because of various reasons. One, not to mention the busy lives that we live in, where some times we spend the better part of the day commuting to work and back rather than doing something useful. Second, the urge to relax and let the world take care of itself, rather than be out there and help the needy in a way that we can. Third, considering our contributions too small to even make a difference. Fourth, .. I can write and write but people might label me as being a hypocrite - much talk and no action. :-)

True, we are a majority, but every Monday and Wednesday enroute to my office, when I see this lady coming out of her car bringing cans of curd rice to distribute to the homeless, who spend their nights in the cold and the rain, waiting for their ailing kin to recover in an adjacent hospital, I tend to think no reasons are big enough to not act.

Probably a thing or two to learn from her. First, she could have been satisfied by donating an amount to an organization that takes care of such deeds. But she didn't, and instead took up the task to prepare the food and distribute it personally. Second, how much commitment would one need to have to return back every week and do the same act of kindness? Lets just compare it with.. say.. how regular are you to the gym or, on your diet? [The two most personally important things in these times of middle class affluence ;-)]

What this would mean is that for every action (or inaction) of ours, we have a choice. One can either shed some lethargy and act, or for the others who cannot, we have some good news. Because another friend of mine had said "That's ok. It is the thought that counts. Not everybody can go out and do these things. Besides, it is enough if a few people contribute and the rest support them". :-)

With a few days to go for the birth centenary of the greatest humanitarian of the 20th century - Mother Teresa, this post is also to remind ourselves of her service to mankind!