Attitude

By Thad Kaylor

4 am local, Myanmar, 3:30 pm CST

My midnight awake, quiet thought time.

My time in Myanmar thus far has been visually about what I expected. Different culture, many things that raise the eyebrows, including infrastructure, economic activity, lifestyle, living standards, etc. But nothing really SHOCKING.

However, I am here, on the ground. Add in the other six senses to the pictures you see on TV or the internet, and your soul is tattooed in a different way, and in a very short time. I am speaking mostly about smells, tastes, touches and hearing. All really different, and that doesn’t always mean less or bad.

I like to think I don’t believe I am BETTER than anyone on earth. But, I must say, living in America all my life, in that culture, I can tell you it is impossible to FULLY test that belief. We just pat ourselves on the back, sing “Jesus loves me” and declare it so.

I think that belief of myself has been turned on its head in 5 short days. Regrettably, I do believe I am better than many on earth. Not outright, but reviewing thoughts and actions, that attitude can be revealed, especially here.

Prior to this trip, in my VISUAL, I would say, “Ahhh, look at the poor little guy. I want so much to help. He has nothing and I do. I will send a check and he will be better.” And I will have scratched my itch of making sure I’m the same as him, I am no better than him. “Here is some money, now run along poor little guy, I have Cardinals baseball tickets and a game to go to.”

Tip: that pour little guy appreciated the help, but that isn’t the NEED. These people need your love. Sure, you can love them with your money, but that needs to be second to your love with your heart, your smile, your voice, your hands, your fellowship.

Nothing earth shattering, but as we sit and tell ourselves we are no better than anyone else, prove it to me WITHOUT using your checkbook.

Thad Kaylor