On Tuesday of last week, the temperature was 102 degrees in Phoenix. While hot, I didn’t mind it too much. My home is air-conditioned. When I need to go somewhere, the Max A/C in my Honda Accord cools me down seemingly within seconds.
For lunch that day, I had a taco salad. The lettuce was purchased through our local timeshare, the meat had been bought from the grocery store and cooked the night before. I warmed up the meat in my microwave, but chopped the onion, jalapeño, and olives fresh.
Lunch was good—and filling. I even skipped the cookie afterwards.
I did decide to brew myself a cup of coffee that afternoon. I used Gevalia House Blend (it is one of my favorites) and added a small shot of Coffeemate Caramel Macchiato creamer—just enough to take the edge off and sweeten the cup for the afternoon.
With my coffee, I sat down with my laptop at my dining room table to do some work for the afternoon. I placed my cell phone facedown on the table and decided to open Facebook first.
Near the top of my Newsfeed was an article from the New York Times: So Similar, So Different. The tagline caught my attention, “For these 2 women, the lottery of birth decides opportunity.”
I was intrigued. I clicked over to the New York Times website completely unprepared for the emotion that would accompany my reading of the story.
You are welcome to go read the article. I highly recommend it before continuing with this post. But if you don’t have the time, here’s a short synopsis:
Journalist Nicholas Kristof writes about an encounter last month where he was accompanied on a visit to Myanmar with a 20-year old college student from Notre Dame named Nicole Sganga. Upon arriving at a remote village, Nicholas and Nicole met a 20-year old woman named Sajan. The parallels between the two women immediately attracted them to one another: same age, same gender, both bright, hard-working, and fun-loving.
And yet, the differences were overwhelming. Nicole is from a middle-class family in Long Island, being educated in journalism, and doesn’t plan to start her family until ago 30. Sajan dropped out of school at age 10 when her father died, was traded for marriage at age 13, raises 2 children, has no electricity, shoes, or sandals, and can only leave home with her husband’s permission.
Two young women, born at almost the same time, both with talent and dreams, both seizing opportunities, yet only one in a context in which her abilities can come fully into play.
Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. May those of us who have been given opportunity refuse to waste it. (tweet that)
As I considered my own life in light of this story, I was reminded of the great opportunity I have been afforded. By the simple, uncontrollable nature of my birth, I have been given enviable gifts: shelter, clothing, food, clean water… shoes. These are simple necessities that many human beings around the world will go without. I grew up in a safe, middle-class neighborhood with public schools and parks and rec departments. I did nothing to earn this opportunity—it was granted to me solely by the lottery of my birth.
And yet, how often do I take it all for granted? Nicholas Kristof’s piece caused me to become further aware of the responsibility associated with the opportunity I have been given—and convicted at how often I squander it.
Your life is different than mine. But I encourage you today to consider the blessing of the opportunity you have been afforded. And determine to make the most of your opportunity.
Be grateful. Those of us who have been given opportunity should be grateful daily. Too often, we think about all the things we don’t have instead of the wonderful things we already possess. Consider again the story of Sajan—and sense your responsibility to be grateful for the life and the chances you have been given.
Be diligent. There is great responsibility that accompanies our opportunity. Our most important response is to make wise and diligent use of it. Work hard. Study hard. Everyday.
Do not overvalue comfort. There is a natural inclination in each of us to avoid pain at all costs. But only through trials in life do we develop patience and perseverance and maturity. Those who have seemingly been given opportunity to avoid pain and discomfort must be careful to not value comfort over growth.
Own less. Our unearned gift of opportunity ought to give us pause in our consumerist pursuits. Sure, we studied hard in school and worked hard to develop our skills in order to earn the type of living we can now afford. But are bigger houses, faster cars, trendier fashion, and cooler toys really the greatest use of our money? Especially when there are so many people in our world with equal drive and talent, but without opportunity.
Remember others. One danger among those who have opportunity is to forget those who do not. And whether we are talking about inequality in America or around the world, one of our ongoing responsibilities is to remind ourselves that injustice still exists.
Create opportunity. With your time, your talents, and your dollars. Find trustworthy organizations that are working to solve these problems at home, overseas, and for future generations. Get involved financially by contributing from your excess. I am a fan of both Compassion and Heartwork (both are working hard to provide opportunity to kids in developing countries), but there are countless others.
Opportunity is not universal. May those of us who receive it, appreciate the great responsibility that accompanies it.
David J. Singer says
I, too, read, and was moved by, the article you refer to. Like you, I feel privilege and gratitude. Unlike you, I have a 20-year-old daughter (in fact, I have two) and so the piece hit home even more directly. I passed along the piece to my daughters and, not surprisingly, it evoked emotions and awe. Thanks for turning the piece into an even greater inspiration, which I will also share with them (and others). Best regards, David
Gail says
Thanks for the reminder
LL says
Love the gratitude reminder. Need that kick in the butt daily. Those of us who were labeled “middle class”, but due to the economic downturn in the last few years, feel disenfranchised, need to remember how much better we STILL have it than many. Good post! Are you sure that wasn’t 112 in PHX?
joshua becker says
112F today, but not last week. And there is a big difference.
A Swedish reader of your blog says
Thank you for supporting my country by drinking Swedish coffee! Was so surprised to read it is possible to buy outside Sweden. The most popular coffee here. :) The company, founded in 1853, has its name Gevalia from the old town Gefle a bit north from our capital Stockholm.
joshua becker says
I love it. I’m glad I am on the same side as Sweden.
Ryan Brevard says
The NYT article presents the false notion that everyone here in the US has opportunity. Would it have been that difficult to find a young woman who has ‘lost’ the lottery of birth here in the US? Certainly not.
Beth DeRoos says
Ryan Brevard I am so glad you noted that. Nicholas Kristof runs all over the world doing stories like this, when in fact we have so many Sajan’s here in the states.
joshua becker says
I actually think Nicholas was quite fair in his conversation concerning opportunity in America vs. opportunity in third-world countries such as Myanmar. In fact, the entire article was written as a response to those who criticize him for not drawing more attention to problems in the US.
In the conclusion of the article, he writes 5 paragraphs summarizing the needs in both countries—never arguing that opportunity is universal in America.
Judy says
Joshua,
I often think I had it so rough ( childhood tragedy ) . —And I did…yet still I know I am blessed beyond measure. Now I sit in a air-conditioned home and I am sipping gourmet coffee as I type to you. I have all the clothes I need…plenty of food and clean water…and people in my life who love and care about me. If I need something, I hop in MY Honda Accord and go buy it! It’s like I have a magic wand. How dare I ever complain! Thanks for the reminder. :)
Julie Buchanan says
I love this. One of the greatest vulnerabilities is gratitude. It is an acceptance that we have received something precious and possibly undeserved, are will to acknowledge that gift. Opportunities are the actions of gratitude. That is how I look at life. as usual,
All the best~ Julie
Julie Buchanan says
*if we are willing
Darn cell phones and their small keypads that make it easy for me to enjoy my favorite minimalist writer’s insights over a fresh cinnamon roll and hot cup of coffee… ;)
Claire says
Just take the time to realize how lucky we are, to be able to read and comment this article.
As a thirty-something born amongst the wealthiest nations on earth, I have been slowly realizing that it is my responsibility to create something out of this opportunity, acknowledging this is the necessary step to stay the course.
Thank you for this article Joshua,
Claire
Oliver says
Very timely post indeed Josh. You not only possess the marvellous ability to “see”, but also to express yourself in a remarkable way! Humble reminders of observation and (self)-reflection…
Thanks again for your inspiration and may you have an equally inspiring day!!
Oliver says
Btw Josh, not sure if it’s only me but the “tweet that” option for “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. May those of us who have been given opportunity refuse to waste it.” created an error at my end. Once I replaced the bit.ly link with the URL copied from here the tweet went through…
Just wanted to let you know in case there’s something wrong with the shortened link or something.
joshua becker says
Thanks Oliver. I made the appropriate adjustment to the “tweet that” link.
Oliver says
Most welcome Josh, glad you could fix it! :)
Tony Wideman says
Your post gives power to the saying do what you are meant to do. Some of us feel inside of us what we are meant to do and don’t do it. Some of us feel what we are meant to do and can’t do it.
Those of us that can at the least attempt to do what we feel we were meant to do are truly lucky.