On my way back from the field, lost in thought and admiration for the beauty of nature, my eyes and camera were drawn to an unusual sight. Right in the middle of the road stood two donkeys, seemingly engaged in a silent conversation, an unspoken understanding passing between them. I stopped in my tracks, my curiosity piqued. What were they doing?
I steadied my camera, waiting and watching. What I witnessed in those few moments left me with goosebumps and tears welling in my eyes. It was a profound reminder of life’s greatest purpose—service.
These two donkeys were scratching each other’s backs—not with hands, for they had none, but with their teeth, heads, and necks. One would reach over to relieve the other’s itch, and then the favor was returned. It was a simple yet extraordinary act of mutual assistance, a powerful lesson hidden in plain sight. They did not complain about what they lacked. They did not wait for some external help. They simply understood that each had something to offer the other, and in that understanding, they found relief.
As I stood there watching, a deep realization sank in. This was not just about two donkeys scratching each other’s backs. This was life. This was humanity. This was the essence of our existence.
But do we, as humans, truly understand this?
How often do we forget that we, too, are meant to support each other? How often do we get so consumed with our own struggles that we fail to see those standing right beside us, needing our help as much as we need theirs? How often do we convince ourselves that we are entirely self-sufficient, only to realize—too late—that no one thrives alone?
We live in a world that often glorifies individual success—where people are told to chase their dreams, focus on their goals, and strive for personal achievements. While ambition is important, we must never forget that no one climbs to the top alone.
Have you ever achieved something significant without the help of another person? Can you name one moment in your life when a teacher, a mentor, a friend, or even a stranger didn’t contribute, in some way, to your growth?
The days of thinking only of ourselves—or just of our immediate families—are long gone. If we have learned anything from recent global events, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that life is deeply interconnected. No matter how self-sufficient we think we are, we all need each other.
Imagine if the donkeys I saw had refused to help each other. Imagine if one had decided, I have my own struggles, why should I bother with yours? Would either of them have found relief?
Isn’t this exactly what we do sometimes? We see someone struggling, but we turn away, thinking it’s not our problem. We assume that if we focus only on ourselves, everything will work out. But in reality, true success—true fulfillment—comes from what we give, not just from what we take.
We are part of a bigger picture, a grand puzzle where every piece matters. One person’s knowledge, skill, or act of kindness could be the missing link in another’s journey. And the beauty of it all? When we lift others, we, in turn, are lifted. When we help someone climb, we gain new strength. When we share, we grow.
So, ask yourself:
Who in my life needs my help right now, and how can I offer it? Have I ever held back from helping someone because I thought it wasn’t my responsibility? What kind of world would we live in if we all looked out for one another the way those donkeys did? If success is measured not just by what we accomplish but by how many people we help along the way, how successful am I?
Some of us are where we are today not because we were the smartest, the strongest, or the most capable, but because, somewhere along the line, someone believed in us. Someone took a chance on us. Someone helped us scratch an itch we couldn’t reach on our own. A teacher who encouraged us, a mentor who guided us, a friend who stood by us, a stranger who showed kindness. These seemingly small acts are the threads that weave the fabric of life.
So why not be that person for someone else? Why not be the reason someone keeps going, the reason someone doesn’t give up? Why not be the shoulder someone leans on, even when no one else is watching?
As I took one last look at the donkeys before continuing my journey, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Their simple yet profound act reminded me that we are not here just to exist. We are here to connect, to serve, to uplift, and to be uplifted.
Let this be our reminder: life is not just about what we can get, but about what we can give. Be of genuine service to those around you. Help when you can. Love without conditions. Support without hesitation.
And before you walk away, ask yourself one final question:
Who’s back can I scratch today?
Wishing you a new month filled with purpose, a new week filled with kindness, and a new day filled with opportunities to make a difference.
Stay safe, be kind, and keep scratching backs where you can.
#Love #Help #People #Service #TogetherWeRise
#Puobabangna
