A Life Worthwhile

I spent the last two weeks providing facilitation and coaching at an international Christian NGO event for people from over 50 countries around the world. I met a gentle, humble man from Ethiopia who told me quietly over a meal how conditions are so bad where he is living and working that people often only have one shirt to wear. He has decided to only own two shirts for himself and, if he meets someone without one, he gives one of his away. I also met a bright young woman from Bosnia whose father was killed in the last war and whose best friend was shot dead in front of her by a sniper when she was just 14. She's committed herself to this type of work to help rebuild the lives of others who have also suffered and continue to suffer. Stories like this abounded: of brokenness, struggle, desperation, aspiration, love, care, faith and hope. I came away feeling deeply moved, challenged and humbled. My own life seems so shallow and self-centric by comparison. May God help me to learn from and follow their example and live a life worthwhile in the world.