I never cease to marvel at our sad state of affairs. We complain, whine, accuse, attack, debase, debauch, and otherwise do unpleasant, unhealthy, and uncivilized things to each other.
What has me riled up, you ask?
Nothing in particular. Simply nothing in particular. The redundant drumbeat of our daily lives reminds me how inured we have become with our lousy lots in life.
Yet we in the U.S. have it made, relatively speaking. Our life circumstances are so benign compared with those living hellish existences throughout the world, especially the developing world, that one questions how we can focus on any trouble we may experience, as that is dwarfed by millions of people who literally fear for their lives daily (or hourly) – and who are actually maimed or murdered.
It appears as though we are inappropriately phlegmatic about true horror and tragedy and exaggerate petty concerns out of any reasonable proportion. For example, some are referring to the ‘persecuted church’ in this country. Knowing about the real persecution being faced by people of faith – mostly Christians – our assertions of harm and injustice insult and demean their true suffering. We doth pity ourselves too much (apologies to Shakespeare).
On the other hand, wars are running rampant around the globe, and countless people are being killed, raped or maimed, and we spend time attacking each other about our political beliefs and how soon President Bush will vacate the White House. I am not as enamored with Mr. Bush as I once was, but let’s not be accusing him of the sorts of atrocities that occur on this planet every day which we seem to conveniently ignore. I suppose the out-of-sight, out-of-mind bromide is right on point. If we have a compelling need to obsess, we can find a better target than a lame-duck president who is likely neither as pure nor perfidious as people believe.
Perhaps I do a disservice to my readers by being so boorish at this time of the year. This is when we should celebrate, be joyous, and show goodwill toward men and women.
We have much to celebrate. We have it so good that if things are not perfect, then we feel hopelessly lost, deprived, and discouraged. And in truth, most of us have far more good in our lives than bad.
We all likely get more than we give, which is probably why this time on the calendar pages causes us to think about others -- not mostly or solely ourselves – and how we can help them. This is the onset of true joy and happiness.
How wonderful would it be to ease hunger, minimize poverty, stem sickness? How marvelous to mobilize others to make a real difference in someone’s life? How uplifting to live for others? Fulfillment comes from many sources, but the one that feeds us best is that urging within our souls when we are motivated to reach beyond our backyard and strive to understand and relate to someone else. That someone may be a neighbor, or it may be a stranger from a foreign land we have never visited and never will.
It is that time of the year again. For many of us, it is cold outside, and the thought of our daily drudgery dares to drag us into the depths of despair. Yet, we can counter the advent of ennui and agony. We can warm ourselves by counting our blessings and imagining how to assist others.
What is your special gift? What really bugs you? Is it homelessness? Illiteracy? Hunger? How can you fight such massive, endemic, and enduring problems?
Whatever gnaws at your heart and soul, odds are that there is something you can do about it. You may not be able to fix the problem and end all suffering, but your effort, no matter how small, will make a huge difference. The smallest of efforts makes a positive difference. But if you do not act, the situation will surely deteriorate. Minimizing or halting the pain is a big accomplishment in itself.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, those I know, and those whom I do not. My hope is for a better, stronger, and more considerate world. At times I laugh at that. My pragmatic side reminds me that such idealism is empty. But another aspect of that philosophy informs me that change and improvement happen only by action, not wishing.
Yes, it is that time of the year. Looks like I – and we -- have a lot of work ahead of us.
An Irish blessing may be appropriate to help us on our way.
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Fred W. Apelquist, III, M.Ed.
Approximately 800 words.
© December 2007
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YETMO: “You’re Entitled To My Opinion,” A Balanced Point of View
"To stimulate thought, debate, and introspection”