- Authors thoughts
In his book, Jarrod Polson writes about his experience of visiting Ethiopia and how it changed his outlook on life. He realized just how good his life was, and how his problems were nothing compared to what these people living in third-world country went through. These individuals had very difficult lives, yet they never complained and always wanted to help others out. This is where Jarrod Polson believes that God shows Himself the most to the world; in the souls of people like this. Soon after the trip, Polson learns that he must give up his jersey number to an incoming freshman, which he is not happy about. At first, he feels this is very unfair and should not be allowed. Then, he thinks back to the problems faced by the Ethiopians and realizes what they go through is truly inhumane, and still they do not complain.
My thoughts
I believe that many individuals in today's world, including myself, take lots of things in their life for granted. We do not think about how insignificant our problems are compared to individuals who live in tiny, unstable homes that must go through each day with the uncertainty of knowing if they will have enough food and water needed to live. Here we are living with a grocery store just a few minutes away, but still complaining when "we don't have anything to eat." In reality, we almost always have plenty of food to eat and can at any time go to our kitchen and drink clean water. Although I will probably continue to complain about the minor problems I face, reading this section of the book has increased my respect for individuals all around the world that must fight for their life each day, but do so with a smile on their face. Maybe next time I start to think that something in my life is difficult, I will look at the positive side of things rather than feeling bad for myself.
What are your feelings towards the lives that we live compared to the lives of these third-world countries citizens?