Far from mourning Diana, Princess of Wales, and Mother Teresa, we should celebrate them. They gave us what we need and what we always seem to lack -- a commitment to service.
Lady Di wasn’t a saint, that’s for sure, and wasn’t in Mother Teresa’s caring class, but she served others. I dismiss cynics who criticize Diana’s work as mere publicity stunts. Even if I were to believe that she had no inherent compassion, she at least showed us what we must do. We must to serve . We must be there. We must act.
Even if Diana wasn’t the paragon of compassion that Mother Teresa seemed to be and especially if she wasn’t, she demonstrated what each of us should strive to do even if we’re not inclined to do so or feel that our talents are inadequate to aid others. Diana could have merely contributed money to a cause of two if she wanted, but she was out in the people fields doing.
Yet the message of service rings loudly despite the sounds of funeral dirges we’re been hearing with the passing of these two beautiful, yet distinctly different, women. Although Diana and Mother Teresa exhibited a ministry of personal touch and presence, the rest of us don’t need to follow exactly in their footsteps. Even if all someone can or will do is contribute money, that’s OK. If all any person can do is occasionally drive an elderly or homebound person to a doctor’s appointment, that’s OK, too.
There are as many ways to help as there are people to help. And all of us require help — or will. That’s the nature of us and our world. We enter the world helpless and dependent upon others. We often leave that way, too.
Diana and Mother Teresa exposed the saints in all of us. They showed how each can contribute -- in any small way — and make a huge difference in the aggregate when it is applied throughout an entire community.
Often I harbor guilt for not doing more. This past Saturday I delivered and picked-up furniture donations in my community. It was interesting to note that depending upon the neighborhood we entered, I knew whether we were giving furnishings or collecting them. It’s was quite an object lesson. It showed that many of us are helping our neighbors the best we can.
Diana and Mother Teresa merely reinforced the importance of helping others. Their deaths served us well. They didn’t merely teach us have to treat others. They showed us.
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Fred W. Apelquist, III, M. Ed.
Approximately 425 words.
(C) 1997