Scorpions of Southern Africa

Whilst driving home from giving lectures one night, I saw a man asleep in the doorway of a supermarket. In the biting winters’ chill I remember thinking of my electric blanket waiting for me at home, the hot cup of coffee that I would make before going to bed, the book I read and the soft pillows that I have.

My life is pretty good. I consider myself an average kind of guy who gets up to some pretty cool things, all because of some pretty cool creatures. My endeavours allow me to live a life where food, clothes and the acquisition of possessions are decisions rather than impossible dreams. I am so preoccupied with what I have, that I’ve forgotten those who live comparably intolerable lives. In context, my seemingly average life is extraordinary beyond the wildest dreams of others.

Its only whey you take your comforts and privileges for granted that you lose touch with what life is all about. At my work we put some money together for the less fortunate. At the end of the day we had collected enough to make a difference. We delivered 68 blankets to a crèche in the informal settlement, across the railway tracks next to Westgate shopping Centre. It’s a place so familiar, yet so foreign. My contribution was insignificant; however for the children of the crèche, the blankets made the difference between a freezing cold night, and a good night’s sleep.

I live with my own struggles and challenges however there are people out there that live a life far more challenging. During these harsh winter times, spare a thought for other less fortunate and give where you can and make a difference where it counts. It doesn’t take much to make a real difference in the lives of the needy. All you have to do is make an effort, reach out and make a difference.