by MiLa Driver

Created on: February 18, 2008

We can't all be Angelina Jolie nor would we want to be. She's got the money to go all over the world, along with her camera crew, of course, to take a look at the vast cultures that are so different from ours to try and make a difference in the lives of those she comes in contact with. Even she with all her financial resources can only do so much for humanity. Yet, she does it time and time again. Most of us don't have that financial advantage nor do we have the desire to go outside our own little world to try to make a difference in someone else's.

Yet, isn't that what we are here for? I doubt we were put on this planet simply to see how far we can go with our own careers and how many material things we can accumulate. There's nothing wrong with accumulating things, but there is definitely more to life than just acquiring for you and yours. Sometimes when we think of humanity, we think of people who live on the other side of the world, who are less fortunate that we, who are undoubtedly suffering. But nothing could be further from the truth; that is, humanity is wherever there are humans. Obviously!

Start with your own home. How are you adding value to the lives of those who are closest to you? Are you a burden to them or are you a blessing? I'm not talking about someone being a burden because they are dependent upon others due to a disability or illness. Even they can add value to the lives of people around them. Burden oftentimes has nothing to do with physical ability or lack of it.

Consider whether you are the kind of person who people like being around with. Are you always complaining and whining about yourself and others or do you take your eyes off yourself often and see how you can serve others? Sometimes serving others simply means that you are there for them for support and encouragement. It means you make yourself available to your family. They can come to you to share concerns, ideas, and the highs and lows of their everyday lives.

As a parent have you provided your children with a safe haven in your own home? Are you meeting their basic needs of food, shelter, and love? Your children are watching every move you make. Therefore, how they turn out in the future has a lot to do with what they are experiencing at home right now. You don't have much control over the influences they have outside the home, but inside your home, you are the one in charge! Make it count!

What about your spouse? Is your spouse being treated with respect? Remember that respect

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