A call to give back to the less fortunate

Megan Townend
Bachelor of Business student
Avondale College of Higher Education

Some say life comes down to the survival of the fittest—who’s the strongest, smartest, fittest, richest.

Some say how and where we live comes down to a game of chance. They say it’s all about natural selection, the struggle for life in which only those who can best adapt to existing conditions are able to survive and reproduce.

What do I say?

I’ve been blessed with a supportive family, an education, easy access to clean water and food and a bankable income.

However, what if I: lost a parent to disease; dropped out of school early; drank water from a well an hour’s walk from home and ate only when I could find food; and relied on the generosity of others for income?

I’m one of the lucky ones.

Why?

I’d like to say life comes down to making the best use of our abilities. I’d like to say how and where we live is, ultimately, up to us.

Is it?

The ways of the world confuse me, but I’m sure of one thing: I’ve been blessed, abundantly, and not necessarily because I deserve it.

I constantly ask myself what I’m doing with my blessings to bring glory to God. The impact of sin on the world tells me other things are more important, but the overseas mission trips I’ve led this year remind me I should offer up my cross daily to serve Him.

And I serve because I have the support of a family, the knowledge that comes from education, the strength from the food in my stomach and the financial means to do so.

Life doesn’t have to come down to the survival of the fittest and it isn’t necessarily all about chance.

I’ve been given a desire and a passion to live differently, to give back to those who haven’t been as fortunate as me.

This is my mission in life.

What’s yours?