Dealing with “First World Problems”

My friends and I have a saying that we thought was unique — until we discovered that it already has a popular Twitter hashtag and YouTube video.

“First World Problems.”

At one time, we thought we’d create a blog based off the concept and make millions that we could donate to charities to save lives. But we weren’t the first to think of the idea. Woe is us. Maybe our disappoint is, in itself, a drop in the bucket of #firstworldproblems.

Working at World Vision can be extremely inspiring at times, yet expectedly mundane at others. It is, indeed, an office. Though our office supports the work of thousands of staff around the world who daily see and feel the effects of transformed lives, I feel a slight disconnect while sitting at a computer or in meetings all day.

Really? That quote is 142 characters long? We use Lotus Notes for email? The only conference rooms left don’t have windows in them? I just got “upgraded” to Windows 7 and the shortcuts are different? My Print Screen button doesn’t work anymore, and I have to open up an application to take a screen shot? The readily available, clean, hot water from the coffeemaker is only lukewarm? Should I Skype that girl who I think is cute? The closest printer is out of ink, and I have to walk five steps farther to the next one?

I suppose it’s important to remember that “humanitarians” are indeed “humans,” too. We get preoccupied by what’s in front of us.

A picture of Joventus sits at Jonathan's desk at World Vision's U.S. headquarters.

So, here’s what I do: Sitting in plain sight at my desk is a picture of my sponsored child, Joventus.

Joventus is why I’m here. Is it crazy that I donate to the very organization I work for? Do I really believe that much in what I do? Am I convinced that Joventus’ life is being transformed and renewed in Uganda because I sit at a desk and write dozens of emails each day?

Absolutely.

With a degree in electrical engineering, I’m not at World Vision because I’ve always dreamed of it (in fact, I hadn’t even heard of the term “nonprofit” until two years ago). I’m here because Joventus needs me.

And you know what? I need him, too. He keeps me grateful. He gives me purpose and connects me with what’s real in this world — not that my world isn’t real, but there’s a whole other reality within our own that needs help.

His face reminds me that some of my struggles are really just #firstworldproblems.

Want to connect with a child who needs your help? Want that connection to help remind you of the blessings in your own everyday life?

Sponsor a child like Joventus today. It’ll help you keep a healthy perspective on First World Problems — while giving a new perspective of hope to a child in need.