I want to paint the number
316,008,339 on our bedroom ceiling,
so when we lie in bed at night we are reminded of just how many neighbors we have in this country,
The world is filled with people like you and me who can't help but struggling,
And generosity is a word that is diminishing in our day to day vocabulary,
And giving is something even I overlook unless it's a holiday,
We all seem to focus on the problems overseas and forget about those in need in our own backyards,
I've seen beggars out on the street and always think the same thing--they can get a job.
And those people who live off charities and welfare?
The are just using the system and wasting my tax dollars.
And those people who don't volunteer?
They have some better things to do.
Instead of filling ourselves with ignorance we need to open up and see the truth.
And listen to their stories.
Maybe they can't get a job because of a disability or because they take their showers in a public bathroom sink and that's not considered sanitary,
Maybe they need help from charities and the government while they work full time and finish school to create a better future for themselves and their families,
And maybe those who don't volunteer,
Simply don't want to.
All there needs to be is hope and faith that a little can change,
If we all took just one minute to say hi and ask about someone's day,
If we all gave one sandwich to the beggar on the street,
If we all would donate one dollar to the local shelter instead of t.v. charities,
Or even a can of vegetables or beans,
If I would take the lead and do all of these things and volunteer to help those in need,
I could create a world of change,
And friends and family would follow down the path that diverges between judgment and pity,
Helping me help others,
And we could all rest peacefully knowing 316,008,339 others,
are doing the same.