Service and Selflessness

I began my service to the local Habitat for Humanity build with the notion that I would no longer look forward to my Saturdays; the fact that I’m not a morning person didn’t help either. Initially, my only goal was to get my service hours; the weekly obligation always seemed like a pain to fulfill. I never committed to any particular service project, and I volunteered at various locations around Beaumont.

Whether it was the lack of continuity or simply the bleakness of the work, I didn’t enjoy any of the service that I attended. For example, although I adore animals, the prospect of taking care of them always seemed to be too much trouble to be worth it, which is why I disliked going to the Humane Society. I’d imagine scooping poop and getting bitten isn’t on everyone’s top ten list, but then again, I’m not everyone.

It took a bit of trial and error, but I finally found my niche. Habitat for Humanity is a really great 

opportunity for anyone wishing to volunteer for a great cause. Aside from that, I learned many things from the experience. Knowledge, specifically practical knowledge, is invaluable in today’s society.

I’m a bit ambiguous, though. Did I enjoy the work because I was in the company of friends or was it because I was helping someone? Or was it both? Neither?

I’m afraid it’s something that I can’t know unless I attend without my friends sometime. I genuinely hope I’ve developed some sort of sensitivity towards the cause, but it’s doubtful. I have never been the most sensitive person, nor have I ever been the most willing to help people just to do it. I don’t know whether to think of it as laziness or cruelty; for me, there is no gleaming inspiration or overwhelming urge to help people. And should there be?

Human instinct tells me to survive, and fight for myself. I suppose we are selfish by nature, and selfless only as thinking creatures; even those that are passionate about their volunteer work indulge in the gratification that is achieved when helping someone.

But here is the question: Is it also selfless? The act itself is, I suppose, but doesn’t it take intent for something to truly be selfless? Does true selflessness exist?

The answer is: it can’t. True selflessness depends largely upon the thoughts and feelings of the thinker. A dictionary could only define it loosely; as with many things, we as humans are free to further define it.

So those of you who believe yourselves to be selfless, I advise you to go to your nearest Habitat build. Aside from the learning opportunities or the memories you’ll make, you’ll sleep well at night knowing that you’ve helped provide a family with a home. I mean, if that’s what you’re in to.