Meaning, Comfort, Understanding

I heard a powerful story today. I was peer editing a personal essay by a friend of mine who I do not really now well. I was shocked to find out that she had lost her mother and a good friend in her life time. This was after reading my pathetic essay about humility and shame. What was amazing about her essay was the perspective it brought. When she sees people complain and whine about their lives she doesn't look down on them and actually tries to understand their feelings because she realizes that not everyone faces the same pain. But it brought me astounding perspective. I have not lost anyone particularly important to me, and I cannot imagine how on earth I would handle that kind of loss.

I have not suffered in my idyllic suburban life. I don't really try that hard to get a job or succeed because I don't understand how difficult life really can be. I am so thankful to have the privileges I do and I really don't want to suffer, but I wish I could understand that pain more. I want to make a difference in the world because I have been offered a wonderful chance at life. I wish I could understand better. I wish I could be more empathetic.

What I have understood is that I need to stop my prejudices. I have always thought that my prejudices were justified in some way, but I guess that is how racists think. I always look down upon the people who drink at my school or the cliqueyness of ASB. But I shouldn't judge so quickly. I should open my mind and open my heart. I finally understand why people are so reckless sometimes, considering the multiple deaths that have affected our school in the past year. I can imagine that the friends of those who have passed away feel like life is short. And life is short. I feel such an urgency to stop being so lazy and slackish. I would be ashamed if I died in my sleep tonight, but I finally think I will be more open to the people around me who seem so obnoxious or stupid.

In all of the schoolwork. In all of the college applications. In all of the job searching. In all of the stresses. We all just need to have a heart.

"Haven't Met You Yet" Michael Buble