Do I dare say it? We are on the road to recovery? Well, it seems that way, thank the Lord. Samuel is feeling so much better, and we were even able to take the kids to Chuck E Cheese hell (as Scott calls it). Sam was mesmorized by all of the games, and Maggie had a blast.
Samuel was standing by a machine, and this crazy kid who works there was running around from place to place, and he stepped right on Sam. He had no clue and kept right on walking. He was obviously trying to do too many things at once, and I just felt like he was one of those rare teenagers these days who was toiling away, trying to do his best. So, when he came back, (again speed walking) I stopped him and told him in a nice way that he had obviously accidentally knocked my baby to the ground. The look on his face just verified my initial feelings. He was devastated. He was so apologetic and played with Maggie and Sam for a while. He gave free coins to them and even showed Maggie an easy way to win tons of tickets from one of the games. He checked on us about 50 times after that.
So, I write all of that to say this:
We are a society of “why should I, if it doesn’t benefit me?”
There are 2 major words that stick out. I and ME! I was at Walmart, Lord give me strength, a while back, and there were no carts anywhere to be found. I asked an associate where I could find a cart, as my hands were full, and there was more shopping to be done. The guy told me, “I’m not sure; I don’t work in that department; I can’t help you.”
This is what I heard: I don’t know; I don’t care; I won’t help you.
He was young and had absolutely no concept of how going the extra mile for another individual can be intrinsically rewarding. He had no grasp that this world wasn’t created to be a “me” world. It was created for us to help our brothers and sisters. It wasn’t his fault at all, though. This kid was never taught or shown that when you are employed at a company, that you are a representative of the company as a whole. What you do and don’t do reflects on the business’s reputation and bottom line. But, more importantly, he didn’t have the work ethic or desire to help his fellow man. He had a walkie talkie, and he had legs. I’m pretty sure he would have lived through the trauma of having to do anything more than what his job description may list. He was frozen to the floor with a look of disgust that I would actually call him out on helping a customer! How dare I?
By the way, all of the carts were outside, and the go-getters were just standing there looking at the misty weather, not wanting to get wet. Don’t even get me started on that! And, where was the manager? In his office.
All I kept thinking was ME, ME, ME!
We have got to decide as a society to stop wasting time pointing the finger else where, turn it toward ourselves, and say, “If not me, then who? I choose to be a conscientious person who finds the goodness in helping others. I take my job seriously, whether it is working as a bag boy or as a hospital surgeon.”
I have found this to be an extremely useful attitude and perspective to have while teaching school. Did I want to take another teacher’s duty, so she could take care of a parent’s needs? Of course not! Did I do it to help the greater good of our students? You better believe it. There are tons of examples of everyday decisions that can either enhance our character and work places, or show others that we are just self-serving people. I hope parents, teachers, churches will truly emphasize the importance of a life-well-lived mentality, so that the youth of today become the decent, diligent leaders of tomorrow. Our world depends on it.
thisblandlife 
Where is the “Like” button I can click on for this? I would on the Facebook link that brought me here, but then you would know who likes this. I want to be a mystery, just because I know how much it would drive you bonkers, Jannan Bland; hence, my validation of the argument of your blog post, “Why should I if it doesn't benefit me?” Or does it counter it? I've just confused myself because I've rambled on. Time to just say I like this blog post and keep up the good work, J.B.
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This is hilarious, whomever you are! I think you may be my father, or David Atwood! But, I don't want to know! I want to go wildly insane
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I love your versatility in being an optimistic, self-torturing sadist. Perhaps that makes you an oxy moron, as well? Nevertheless, I mark this down as yet another “Bland-tastic” trait of yours. Keep rockin', Mrs. Bland.
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This is my most favorite comment ever! Hahahaha
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