By the time this article makes it to your eyes, a considerable number of you will be salivating over the news about the iPhone that Apple recently announced. New gadgets are cool, but there are more important events happening in the world that merit more attention than the latest tech toy.
Take the Philippines for example. It is only fair to admit a personal bias toward the nation due to a family connection. That connection is a catalyst that inspires personal interest and a desire to make a difference. The Philippines has been hit by two typhoons, or what people in the United States call hurricanes. Various news outlets reported that many Filipinos lost their lives.
In Mexico, many people are killed to feed the United States’ addiction to illegal drugs. In the United Nations the Palestinian National Authority has applied to be recognized as a full member state. The people of Libya are struggling to take complete control of their lands from forces that are loyal to their former leader who is now in hiding.
Technology should not be an end unto itself. Technology is a tool, best used to accomplish some greater good. Life is a struggle for many people. Many of us are blessed to have either free time, more money than is needed, or both. How have you used your technology to help someone in need today?
A good first step is to crawl out of the microcosm that is your life and learn what is going on in your community and the world around you. You need to read and to learn about the world to discover which causes are most important to you. One good place to learn about what you can do is the Thayne Center for Service and Learning. Their web pages have links to information about opportunities for service near your neighborhood. This is ideal if you want to give aid in person and if it is difficult to travel far distances.
If you can afford it, find a charity and give to it. A thrift store is a great place to make a difference if the store gives unsold clothes to those in need. As an employee of Deseret Industries, managers have told me that this is what is done there.
Use your technology to do some good in the world. Use that fancy smartphone or that shiny tablet to do something other than play games. Games have their place and can be beneficial in reasonable doses. Life is about finding the right balance.
Find your balance between the pleasure of games and the blessings of service. Find your cause, the thing that makes you passionate. Prove the saying true, “To give is better than to receive.” In giving to and serving others, you will find that serving feels much better than the limited and fleeting rewards of idleness and greed.
