My Thoughts

As I reflect on the Summer I have nothing but gratitude for the time I have had with family and friends, places I have seen, people I have met and most of all the love that exists in the world.  I know there is an element of evil out there as well.  What happened in Virginia yesterday is evidence of the ugliness and hate that can lash out.  I think we most often find the thing we seek in this world.  We tend to find the best or worst out there depending on us.  I cannot guarantee evil may never strike at us, but I believe we have given ourselves the greatest shelter we can by not seeking it out.  Not a single person would have been harmed yesterday if they had not been there.  There would have been no protests had ignorant people not been demanding statues be removed.  It all begins with hate and intolerance.  We as a people should focus our energy on things more meaningful.  Service, time with loved ones, yard work, the beach, mountains, sand dunes, or hundreds of other activities.  Until we reject hate absolutely this is society.  

Here are three ways you can protect yourself and those you care about.  1. Be tolerant of others.  Being tolerant does not necessarily mean you agree, but an attitude of tolerance does bring greater patience and understanding.  We live in a world of diverse ideas, cultures and people.  Diversity is and can be beautiful.  The truth is we have more in common than our differences.  When we actually seek to understand what is important to each other it is amazing how easy it is to find solutions.  2. Avoid protests and demonstrations.  People that attend these events are not there to be peaceful.  These activities have been usurped by extremists and that much passion and hate tends to radicalize people very quickly.  Is there any wonder why so much violence has erupted and damage to property that results?  These events are about anarchy.  You have the greatest chance of being hurt just by showing up.  3. Don’t buy into the media.  The doom they report on does not bring joy, hope or peace. It really is quite stressful and depressing.  We have it in us to change the world.  Decide on what you can do.  We may not have the reach to change the world for all but we can absolutely change it for one person.  One family.  One neighborhood.  One ward.  One City.  It is up to us.  Hope is demanding to be let out.  When we as a society reject hate and choose Charity, evil will have no hold on us.  

Mindset

I saw this and it has really bothered me.  Although it nails the current mindset of humanity, is it right?  My understanding is doing something kind for someone else isn’t a conditional act.  If you are looking for praise I am not sure the intent is right.  I personally believe that acts of service tend to do as much or more for our own good than those we serve.  If our attitude isn’t right how easily we can be offended.  We are all a bit broken in this life.  The world has the capacity to beat us pretty good.  Some people don’t know how to express appreciation.  They may not even recognize it or may question your intent as it is so unfamiliar to them. They may be past feeling.  Kindness though has an incredible power to melt the hearts of the bitter given time.  Look at the great story of the Grinch.  The Whos still found Joy and Love and Kindness.  More than enough that the Grinch’s heart grew two sizes that day.  I know it is a made up story, but one that happens often.  Never give up on kindness. Never use an excuse and withhold service because someone is ungrateful.  It may save you both in the end.  

Kindness. Pass it along.

“I say to myself remember this.  Kindness begins with me.”  One of the most profound lyrics ever.  We live in a world where “men’s hearts wax cold.”  Where did empathy go?  Has compassion become inconvenient?  Are values in a downward spiral?  As we become more agnostic as a people, values that have a Christian foundation, are being discarded faster than the trash.  The busier people have become in their lives the less they are aware of those around them.  Busy and indifferent are worn as a badge of honor.  I believe with kids, a husband or wife, a job, church callings, sports, and however else you choose to spend your time you can be both busy and kind, compassionate and empathetic.  How do we accomplish going against the grain of current societal trends?  A couple of ideas.  First declutter your schedule.  There will always be work, kids soccer games, a movie, etc etc etc.  As we grow up for most adults life becomes full of choices between many good things.  Prioritize the BEST things.  What really matters is where you spend your time.  Sometimes you just have to take a pass.  Second SMILE…a lot.  It not only does you good but a smile lifts those around you.  Even the strangers you come across.  Third, find ways to incorporate service into your life on a consistent basis.  You may not be able to change the world but you certainly have the power to change your relationship with a spouse, a neighbor, impact a classroom, influence a community.  The reality here is you can make a difference in one persons life.  Can you imagine?  One person.  I think that is the real lesson here.  We are all about the big things.  We have forgotten the simple beauty of impacting the one.  Finally this may seem counter intuitive in my arguments for being selfless, but I think you need to make time for yourself.  Read a book, take a bubble bath, watch a sunset, listen to music, be still.  We are so much more capable of seeing clearly and making good choices when we slow down.  Make moments for you, it forces you out of the noise.  How can one hear themselves when everyone is shouting you know.  I found this little quote below and it sparked this post.  No matter who we are we can make a difference if we are willing.  😇❤️👻