Hope

I was going to write today about all the shootings and deaths at the hands of those that are supposed to protect us and keep us safe. It is in the news and several states have or have had protests because of deaths in their state. Then I realized that I can surely connect that with this holiday season. Yes, holiday, I am including Hanukkah , Christmas, and all holidays here. We, in the US, live among peoples of all races, religions and creeds. As troubling as it is hearing about all the deaths at the hands of police officers, we can not lose hope. How does hope come, where is the hope? Well, in all the pictures of people who care enough to post their thoughts on Facebook, in all the non violent demonstrations. Yes, we have all been exposed to the violent ones but many have not been violent and those people have cared enough to be heard that they care about other people. They have empathy. Locally, we recently were made aware of a 90 year old arrested for feeding the homeless in public. It seemed that there was a local ordinance prohibiting such behavior. This 90 year old man began a movement where, as I write this, it seems that his civil disobedience has in fact created change. Now, how do these things tie in with hope and the holidays? Holidays such as Christmas and also the coming year? In hope. As much as things look bleak, as much as it seems that people are heartless and not caring, we begin to see an outburst of hope, caring and empathy. Yes, one person can make a difference and yes, change for good is possible. As we get ready to bid farewell to 2014 there is room for good things to happen. Be an instrument of change yourself. One smile, one good dead can make a world of difference and you may not even be aware of it. We sometimes see people who look mean, nasty, or uncaring. Don't make it about you and assume that the person thinks they are better than you. Be more open minded, if you take the time to meet the person where they are at, you may find out they are waiting for medical results, that their family member is ill, that they are foreclosing on a house. You just never know. But don't ask, just be present for others. They don't have to tell you either. By establishing this new way of being you will connect with others in a different way. Also remember you may connect with others but not everyone. Just don't hold on to any ugliness because there is lots of good to be had. That one rotten potato does not rot the entire bag. Peace and Love!