Maybe going forward it all starts with an unkind word left unsaid. Holding the door for someone, a smile at someone you don't yet know. There are a thousand acts of kindness we can do each and every day, most of which are very simple and small. Passion for peace, compassion for others, and love is what our world needs.
As we get ready to close out this year, a time of reflection is called for. How are we doing? As a community, as a nation, as a species? Someone recently made a good observation - if there are aliens, and they have been spying on us, what do they see? What would they see if they saw the carnage happening in Ukraine? Soldiers on one side, grinding up the soldiers on the other side. No remorse, no sorrow - just carnage. I dare say it would make us look like a sub-species to them. The crown of God's creation? Many times, we don't show it very well.
One of Joe Biden's last bit of business was to give Ukraine more money and lethal weapons. More killing. More carnage. Donald Trump looks over at Ukraine and has only one thing to say - he wants the killing to stop. But what about killing those scoundrel Russians? The ones who invaded Ukraine? Donald Trump does not want young Russian boys to die. He does not want innocent Ukrainians to die. He does not want the infrastructure of Ukraine to be ground into dust. This war is a scourge - not just for Ukraine, but for all of mankind.
I know we live in a broken world. It has been that way since the get-go. But putting that aside, living a warlike existence is not what we were made for. Not even close. Peace on Earth? Goodwill towards men? We can do better - much better. We can treat people like brothers and sisters. Show love. Compassion. Mercy. Rather than giving others the back of our hands, maybe a hand up to others instead. Instead of a shove, a hug. Instead of invective, words of kindness and encouragement. Is that not an important part of the Christmas message?
We have been taught how to overcome our carnal nature. We know what it takes to do better, to be better. Our race is the human race. We are all travelers together on this journey. If a rising tide raises all boats, it is up to all of us to ensure that all boats do rise.
I know it is sometimes an overused expression, but from those who are blessed to have much, much is expected. As we are blessed, let us bless others. Giving becomes more important than getting. Again, is that not an important part of the Christmas message?
Maybe going forward it all starts with an unkind word left unsaid. Holding the door for someone, a smile at someone you don't yet know. There are a thousand acts of kindness we can do each and every day, most of which are very simple and small. Passion for peace, compassion for others, and love is what our world needs.
Going forward, bathed in the Christmas message and spirit, may we all remember one important thing - we got this. We can do it. We can be better and do better. Why? Peace on Earth, goodwill towards men. A simple message with a profound impact.
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