Our Better Angels

Writing is one of my favorite things to do (in case you couldn't tell).  It's my primary mechanism of expression and clearing for the clutter that generally lurks in my mind.  Today is my birthday, so I hope you'll indulge me a little, because this is what's in my head:

This past week has been a week of tragedy and triumph with bombings in Boston at the beloved Marathon and an explosion of a plant in West, Texas... and finally, this weekend is EARTH DAY.

I witnessed a car accident this week while driving to dinner... and while the driver that ran a red light that caused the accident stopped, he then sped away.  Who knows why?  Fortunately I was right behind him and got the make/model of his car, his license plate, and a good description of him because before he left, he got out to survey the damage to his vehicle - never mind that he hit a truck that then flipped twice in an intersection.

Still despite these individual acts of fear or hatred or whatever evil intent, there were COUNTLESS acts of LOVE, Courage, Heroism, Selflessness, Compassion and so many more words that can be used to describe what is best about being human:

...witnesses (ordinary people) as well as first responders and medical professionals rushing TOWARD the fire to aid the injured in Boston.
...citizens abiding by the law, trusting in law enforcement, notifying them of any/all information that eventually resulted in the capture of suspects.
...more than 15 people at a crash site who pulled over, jumped from their cars to aid a man who had just been hit at an intersection and his truck flipped twice.

While a single, individual act caused harm - that same negative was met and overwhelmingly overtaken by multiple acts of LOVE.  For me, it was those acts of the human spirit, those selfless collective responses and the outpouring of love and our need to HELP - however we could, whether it was simply sending thoughts and prayers or something more - that made me cry this week.  It's usually those stories that bring tears to my eyes.  More so even than my emotions from loss...

and for that, I am grateful.

I'll never understand evil motivation, it confounds my mind whenever I attempt to make sense of senseless things.  But rather than dwell there for long, thankfully I am blessed to be able to shift into another gear that allows me to focus forward.

We all have our opinions.  God knows.

There's ANY number of issues being debated on any given day.  I work in behavioral health so I pay close attention to things like health care reform, questions regarding mental illness, bullying behaviors in children and adults.  I'm a Christian so I listen to the opinions of so many who wax poetic on 'issues' they deem to be moral imperatives.  I'm from West Virginia so of course, I notice any and all things from my beloved state.  I'm a dog lover, motorcycle rider, gun owner, historian, sports lover, outdoor enthusiast, and a blogger.  I'm a neat freak, lover of art and philosophy, of Italian-Irish, etc. decent who loves family,  "good" food and small towns.  I love people though they sometimes irritate me!  I'm an American.

That's who I am.

My beliefs are relatively simple too.  I believe in God wholly and completely.  I do not believe I know or can comprehend all that He is or does... therefore I do not presume that I do or could.  I believe in the power of forgiveness and Love, always Love.  I believe in family - and that includes those who may not share my same heritage or bloodlines.  I believe in democracy, freedom, and the United States government which means I believe in service also.

Now why say all that?

I say it because I am absolutely certain that no matter who you are, there are any number of things that we will have in common AND any number of things we would likely fundamentally disagree on with our last breaths.  My challenge to you and myself is that when judging, we both listen to our better angels and ACT from Love rather than any number of negative feelings or viewpoints.

I have been blessed to be on this good Earth now for 44 years today.  I've traveled abroad and in our country.  I've lived in many states - both big and small cities - in apartments, townhouses, and single family homes.  I have had my share of illness and tragedy and suffered loss as well as joys... and in all my collective wisdom and experience, the basics of the two greatest commandments still hold universal truth for me:

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind; and
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Both begin with the LOVE.  If we operate first from love - not fear, not distrust, not separation, not hatred - then we have a chance at understanding, forgiveness, and peace.  If we each judged, when we judge, out of the principles of love FIRST, rather than ego or some other selfish viewpoint then our commonalities can help move us past our differences.

Life is full of contradictions, challenges, tragedies and triumphs.  I'm not asking for world peace (yet)... but I am asking for you (and me) - one person at a time - to challenge yourself to operate within your world from a place of love first because I DO believe Love Never Fails.  And with that, I believe love will open your mind and heart to incredible possibility and blessing in this life.

Thanks for listening.

Now it's time for me to get myself together so I can celebrate my birthday at an amusement park!

Happy Earth Day!