Grappling with the heat

I started this entry several days ago, and I kept coming back and changing things as I contemplated not only the actual heat, but also the metaphorical heat of pressure on people to produce, to succeed, to do what's expected of them.  Then, last night as I settled into my bed, I heard a strange sound.  Wind and tick, tick, tick, plop...oh my goodness, RAIN!  I lay still for a moment, not wanting to scare it away or to be too jubilant over a few drops, but I could not resist leaping to my feet and running to the back door.  (Yes, I run in my house all the time.) I flicked on the porch light and glanced toward my three tomato plants, lined up and hopeful in the early darkness.  Suddenly, the trees and bushes started dancing wildly and down came that blessed liquid we have missed for so long.  Oh how I longed to share it with those who need it worse, but I was thankful, thankful we had the luck of the draw this time.  Funny how conditions beyond our control consistently put things in perspective for us if we'll just stop to appreciate, be grateful, and think of others.  Sometimes, in the midst of our own misery, serious or not, we forget, we lose track of that wonderful humanity we all have deep inside.  Yes, we're all grappling with heat in some way, shape, or form.  In the long run, though, we know we'll make it through and see brighter, lighter, cooler, sweeter days.  If we can just remember that as we're grappling, we'll be able to help those who can't remember.  The human race has proven it over and over and over again.  If you're down and out and feeling low, help someone else.  It is instantly uplifting, and though of itself it will not solve your problems, it will give you the spirit to keep working and hoping.  Now, that's what I call successful grappling.

Good faith...

I've never been one for saying, "You need to look that up in the dictionary."  That always sounded haughty and snobbish to me.  However, I'm thinking some folks need to revisit the basic concept of COMPROMISE.  No, I will not include the Webster definition here, but I will say that ordinary Americans effectively employ the practice every single day with family and friends and business associates.  From personal budgets to vacation planning to negotiating contracts to bargaining for a raise or a benefit to ending the myriad small arguments along the way, successful individuals realize that "having it your way and only your way" seldom leads to moving forward in a productive manner.  Oh, people might give in, but they won't be happy.  Unhappy partners in any situation stifle loyalty, creativity, and growth.  In the end, "the winner" loses more than he gains, although he rarely realizes that.  Ultimately, conflict continues to arise, and the enterprise, whatever its nature, either fails miserably or stagnates.  No matter what the subject, no matter what the deal, a middle ground exits, one that respects all feelings and standards but asks some sacrifice to benefit the greater good.  We can stand on principle all day long, and everyone will know our character, our values.  That's noble and admirable and necessary, and we are free to live our own lives according to those precepts without wavering.  However, when groups with varied values endeavor to cultivate and nurture a worthy common cause, all must seek a solution that works for the majority.   Ahhhhhh, sounds like democracy, sounds like AMERICA.  Again, "the little people" (doing most of the work that makes some people look "big") do it constantly because they must.  Those involved in the weighty matters of public policy need only pause and remember what took place at their own dinner tables and in their own conference rooms not so long ago.  We're trusting and waiting in good faith.  You can do it!! 

Our America

What an emotional day for me!  As long as I can remember, I've been a sucker for the American flag, for the National Anthem, for the Pledge of Allegiance, for all things USA.  Our family always celebrated the 4th of July with great zest, but I'm not sure what sent me over the edge with patriotism.  Just like any other form of love, it defies full explanation.  Just yesterday in church, as strains of "God Bless America" lifted to the arched ceiling, I found myself choking with emotion as I struggled to sing along through tears.  What a corn ball, eh?  Maybe, but I cherish that feeling, the uncontrollable devotion, that spirit that moves so freely, so joyfully, so purely.   Now, don't get me wrong.  My ultra patriotism does not include blinders.  Yes, America has her problems, and I exercise my precious freedom by voting, by writing, by speaking up when I feel moved.  Of course, I owe it to my fellow Americans and to the privilege of voicing my opinion to do so with informed intelligence, respect, consideration, kindness, and grace.  Nothing flies in the face of true American spirit like sarcasm and nastiness.  Anyone can come up with an empty,  stinging insult, but stating one's case with poise and logic and the willingness to listen to others...that takes time and effort and real concern for making a difference, for improving a situation, not just getting our way.  How about if we celebrate this INDEPENDENCE DAY with a pledge to cast our very valid and lively debates in the steady strength of American unity and the daunting challenge of reasonable compromise.  After all, as so many often point out, "This is America!"  Why yes it is, and that means everyone has a voice and should at least feel heard, whether we like the opinion or not.  Therein lies one of the most difficult yet vital aspects of democracy.  We've overcome so many obstacles in this storied history we honor  today.  No reason we cannot do it again and again and again.  Deep inside I know we will.  Much love, my sweet country.  Happy Birthday USA and many, many more!!     

Listening for silence

In this age of cell phones and cable TV and computers and MP3 players and streaming...EVERYTHING, a moment of peace and quiet comes at a premium, even when we can choose that moment.  Yesterday, I headed out the door to class, and just before I left, I heard it...SILENCE, well except for the random chirp of a bird or soft automatic buzz of something electric.  I paused and added my brain's grinding gears to the low-volume mix.  I've always been an "I have to have the TV on" sort of gal, but even in that brief moment, I felt a most amazing calming effect, and I lingered to let it wash over me.  Melodramatic?  I think not.  My life is way less hectic than it used to be, but I remember the mad dash all too well.  Heck, I still LOVE it and even need it.  Without moving and shaking and getting things done, we'd be in major trouble.  Nonetheless, perhaps taking a time out purposely now and then would refresh our spirits and make that moving and shaking even more productive and oh my, less stressful.  The beauty is it costs nothing, and the opportunities lie all about us if we're aware.  Ah, but there's the rub, as The Bard might say.  Ironically enough, all the noise around us obscures those precious points of possible pleasure.  Guess we'll have to FIND them, right?  If nothing else, start with that moment you shut down to leave the house for any reason.  Before you step out the door, stop and listen and enjoy what you don't hear and what you do feel.  As the old ad used to encourage, "Try it.  You'll like it."