Homelessness and this coldness.

So, as I'm sure you've noticed by now, it's quite cold outside. It's been at least -20 when I've woken up for the last two days and my car has frozen itself something solid. This kind of sucks for me, but I have a place to live. I have resources, like friends or family that I can turn to if I need help. Think about the people who prefer to sleep outside than visit a homeless shelter because they feel safer alone. Or the full and often under-prepared shelters. Think, for three seconds, about how much it would suck to either be the homeless person, or the person working at the shelter sending people away. Cnn.com suggests ways to help homeless people if you encounter them. (Check back for a link later...) I thought these were interesting, and they helped to change my perspective... While I sit in a local cafe, I find myself often taking for granted the luxury this really is. I have a house and a few extra bucks to spend on good food and delicious, warm drinks. My apartment is heated, and has running water. I don't need to worry about burning coal or wood that I find on the street to keep myself or my apartment warm. I have a cell phone. I own my own car. So... if you too have these luxuries, think about things that you could do to make the world a better place. Maybe volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Get involved.

I got into a discussion today with an older friend here. Mostly about getting involved, and potentially why more people don't. He suggested that, while we're living in a democratic society, many people chose not to get involved or consider that they have the ability to make a difference. Often, we're too caught up in making a dollar. I'm not saying that money is not important (we need it to survive), but becoming rich often takes the place of trying to become involved and do something to make the world a better place. We're too caught up in having coffee from a local cafe (versus, say, Folders) or the shiny new BMW. The friend suggested that, in the middle and high schools, teachers should teach more about involvement. How to become involved, ect. Do it. Become involved. Change the world.