My heads buzzing tonight with things:
• Huge sadness about our government. Having a two party system was never meant to mean we couldn’t ever get along.
• Embarrassment about the political game playing when you see the pictures of so many people – so many children – starving to death in Somalia. It’s not right. We have soooo much and they get so little and we are bickering over power. Shameful times for us.
• But we can all still be part of the solutions. We don’t have to act the same as the greedy, misaligned politicians. We can help keep deserving and very needy families alive. Please give generously to any of your favorite charities that support the worldwide crises like what is happening right now in Africa. My favorite charity to give through is Mercycorps.org. Most of your contribution goes straight to the cause. Give more than you think you can afford and more than you planned on. You’ll feel great for days.
• And then pick another favorite cause or charity and do the exact same thing. That’s how we can demonstrate our kindness, our compassion, our humanity – those are the kind of acts that we as Americans have been known for and still want to be known for. At least this one. The political wrangling in the other Washington doesn’t represent me in any single way. I’m for getting along. Being kind. Being generous. Leading by example. Doing the right thing. Joining together. Setting differences aside for a common good. But even if our leaders won’t lead and act as they should, we still can.
• As my second cause this week I chose one of our favorites: The Elephant Sanctuary (elephants.com). What wonderful work these people do rescuing elephants from all over the world! Glen and I like to donate our money to children and animal causes and this is an excellent one. Elephants are majestic creatures that deserve our care – as every animal and child does.
Thinking of things that are so much more important than the discord in Washington helps me keep it in perspective and not fret too much over what I can’t change. Our leaders have stumbled and perhaps they have even lost their way. That doesn’t mean all is lost. Rather I think it means the rest of us need to step up and take our turn at leading in ways that we can. Like staying true to who we are, helping each other out, caring about others and even focusing on causes that save lives – those are things worth our attention and actions that can change the world for the better.
Heavy stuff tonight I know — on a bright note though we were treated to a great Mexican dinner out tonight by my sister Jen and Rod and joined by my parents too. It was great to catch up with some of the best company around. The best moments in life are all found in the little stuff — and shared with a good salsa, of course! : )
