I’ve given up watching the news. I’ve given up reading the daily paper. Some might say I’m choosing to become an uninformed, ignorant person. I don’t think so. I’ve just heard too much negative stuff that’s going on and need a break from the perpetual bad news. This past week, a couple of things occurred that helped to change my attitude.
The first changing event was a gathering of several old men. For a while, classmates from Ball Camp Elementary have met for a meal and fellowship. Only a few of us are around, so this past month, some men who went to Karns Elementary were invited. We all graduated in 1970, and yes, that means we’re OLD. New attendees included Quill Higdon, Mike Hill, and Wayne Norman. This last man drove from Gallatin to meet with us. Some of the regular guys weren’t able to meet, and they missed a good time. For a couple of hours, everyone participated in telling old stories, many which were surprising and funny. Sam Marcum was in town from Utah, and this is his second meeting.
Nearly every one of us has dealt with some kind of hardship, but for that short time that we met, those things were forgotten and replaced with smiles and laughter. In fact, life returned to our eyes as we listened to the old war stories and floated back to the years in high school. When we rose to leave, all stood a little straighter and walked a bit lighter. Spending time with friends from 50-plus years ago is good for the body and the soul.
The second thing that adjusted the way I’ve been feeling was a televised concert from the Vatican. Pope Leo thought that a celebration might be something all of us could use. Called “Grace for the World Concert,” the program was an evening filled with entertainers and speakers who all assured the 300,000 live audience and those watching television that we are all under the watchful eyes of a God who loves us and will take care of us.
Sometimes, we, who believe that God is, need a reminder. We worry and fret and withdraw. That is not what the plan is for us. Instead, we are to go into the world and serve others. A reminder that a powerful, loving creator is ever-present gives us a renewed strength. When we recall that our jobs are to drive the buses and to follow the route that the divine has given, our fears and worries end.
Right now, our country is in turmoil. Party fights party, group argues with groups, and individuals choose their ideas of right over what is common sense and the laws of the land. If we choose to make things better, it will take all parties working together for what is best for all people. Doing so might require all of us to give up our ill feelings and prejudices. That’s tough work.
Yes, I still worry about the future of our country. I want the USA to remain the bright light in the darkness. I want us to remain the “gold standard” for a country and government. I no longer plan to fret and withdraw from the world. Instead, I think I’ll take my part in trying to make the world a better place for everyone. That’s what America has always done.
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