Seeking purpose

Let us start 2015 with the strongest resolve & purest of intention and show the world what Pakistanis are made of

One cold winter day, on the streets of Washington DC, steps away from the White House, there was a park filled with over five dozen members of the homeless community. I entered Franklin Square Park with a group of volunteers, bringing lunch bags and food to distribute amongst them. The lunch bags comprising a sandwich, granola bar, fruit and water bottle were happily received. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the food-sharing, I saw a man sitting quietly on a bench. Although evidently devoid of the basic necessities of life, I soon discovered that he was replete with hope, wisdom and faith.

He was not hesitant to share his life story. This individual, named Dittmar, spoke about his family and a great job he once held, which facilitated the expense of college education for both his children (approximately $200,000). Unfortunately, while the going was good, he turned to drugs. His frequent use of drugs turned from casual to addictive, quickly resulting in his inevitable downfall. The loss of his job, wife, children and home is a tragedy that he regrets and recounts every day of his life.

Despite living in the destitution that he has now come to call life, Dittmar’s words reflected optimism and resilience. He knew he had hit rock bottom. What he said next brought tears to my eyes. He explained that the hope of rising is strongest when we reach the lowest point in our lives: if we learn from our mistakes, we can rise again, regardless of how hard we fall. This man, who had lost virtually everything, clung onto hope for a better life.

I stood in awe, attempting to grasp my emotions. With all the comforts of life that we have been blessed with, we hardly stop to truly appreciate and understand the meaning of our existence. I, without a problem in the world, stood there listening to these words of motivation from a man who had lost virtually everything. Despite his misfortunes, Dittmar’s faith scintillated like an unwavering beacon of light. He knew that God would bring him out of this tribulation one day.

Dittmar then proceeded to share something with me… something that I needed to be reminded of. He told me that God has put every single one of us on this earth for a reason. Every single one of us has a purpose in life. Every single one of us has a gift, a talent, a thought, an idea, a message, anything. It is up to us to discover what that purpose is, and exercise it to benefit humanity. How expedient are our talents if we cannot use them to incite a positive change in the world?

Of course, we can channel our talents and skills into endeavours that ultimately serve only ourselves. But can we truly appreciate these material facets of our extravagant lifestyles, while we are fully cognisant of our fellow countrymen living in dehumanising poverty? If your answer to that question is yes, then it’s high time you reconsider your life’s objectives. God has showered you with countless blessings in order to test your ability to share. With these blessings, comes an inherent responsibility to give back to those who need you the most, in whatever capacity you are able. I am not saying that you surrender your life of comfort to serve the poor. I am urging you to seek a balance between both.

As we approach the New Year, I ask all of you to re-evaluate your role in society, and channel your energies in meaningful projects for, and with, your community. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” [Mahatma Gandhi]. Starting as of now. Create a vision. Follow your dreams. Inspire others. Become a leader. Step out of your comfort zone. You might never truly comprehend the impact you have made on another’s life, but you will feel it in your soul.

As educated citizens of the world, our implicit duty dictates that we help those who are limited in their means to help themselves. Change starts from within, so be that change. It is time to speak out against the incessant injustices we silently witness and conveniently dismiss. Venture out on a quest to seek your purpose in life. Find this purpose and channel it to the greater good. Let your purpose serve humanity. Let your purpose show you compassion for the less fortunate, and guide you to generosity. Let your purpose reach the deepest part of your soul. And let your purpose change your life.

Let us start 2015 with the strongest resolve and the purest of intentions. Let us show the world what Pakistanis are made of. Let us show the world what Islam truly preaches — trust, appreciation and love for all human beings. And, let us show the world that love for humanity in its purest form transgresses all boundaries of race, religion and skin colour. Let us welcome 2015 with the promise of serving our neighbours and opening our hearts. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step and leap into this prosperous New Year with faith and inspiration, and nothing shall stop you. You never know… you may find yourself writing an article after a conversation with an inspiring homeless man. God bless Pakistan. And God bless humanity.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2015.

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