Polio

Most people die before they're 100 years old, and in that space of time little can be said for what is remembered of them. Instead, most are concerned about the now and the pleasures that can be experienced at present. Instead of concerning ourselves with how to help humanity in whatever capacity we're able, we choose to waste our time in pursuit of frivolity. Everyday, most of us wake up and only look in the mirror; whether it be literal or figurative.

Fortunately however, there have been times in the past when an education wasn't used for personal gain. Certain individuals understood that, in truth, the only thing worth pursuing is sacrifice for humanity. Jonas Salk was one of those individuals. If the name doesn't ring a bell, perhaps the disease called Polio does. Dr. Salk was the scientist that invented the Polio vaccine. And here's the kicker; instead of selling the vaccine like most drug companies do today, he gave it away for free. His reason for doing so was that the salary he was receiving at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine was sufficient and that making money off the vaccine would be inhumane seeing as so many people (mostly children) were dying from this terrible disease.

There is a lesson larger than life that was set forth in his act of unselfishness, and I pray that many more would catch his incredible vision for humanity. Instead of spending so much time staring at our faces in the mirror, perhaps we should gaze into each others to learn and understand just what plagues humanity today; then search for the cure. Never act out of selfishness or with an attitude of, " What can I get out of the deal?" Just act in love and understanding. We all need a lot more of that.

"Don't believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you'll see the way to fly." -Richard Bach

Integrity

There are many times in my life that I stop and ask myself why I do what I do. Things that have lingered on even though it seems I've either outgrown them or I'm just sick and tired of doing them. Commitments that don't seem worth keeping and situations that, once the curtain is pulled back, I wish I'd never even been a part of. I find that in these moments of reflection it's very easy to say, "To heck with it all" and move on with my life. But to do that would not only be cowardice, it would also mean that the lessons I've learned in my time doing these things have profited me nothing. To continue in my integrity, doing the things that I've committed to and disliking it all the more is akin to refining a precious metal. It takes a lot of fire to burn out the chaff that would have me being tossed to and fro by the wind. Although it may seem like I'm doing the same old routine, not profiting a thing by it; I've actually completely changed my drive for why I do what I do. And my integrity grows stronger by the day as I continue in it. I've come to realize just how true the old adage is, "A man is only as good as his word."

"...He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." -Hebrews 5:8b (NIV)