This past week has been an extraordinary one. Weeks in which a number of people are killed for no particular reason, other than someone wanting to get back at society for their own unhappiness, are not becoming that unusual. The killings at Virginia Tech are incomprehensible, except for the videos left behind by the killer. They give an inkling as to the depth of his despair. To feel as though one is unaccepted, and living on the fringe of society, must be an unbearable experience.
The target for revenge, however, consisted of a number of people who went to work on a particular day, but would not be going home that same day, or ever. This is very much like the Twin Towers incident.
We all take life for granted, or so it seems. We make lunch plans with a friend, or we make travel plans, and we fully expect to be able to do these things. However, whether a plan works or not, is not really up to us. John Steinbeck wrote the words, “the best laid plans of mice and men…” Another quote that was previously on the front page of our website says, “Make your plans in pencil and then give God the eraser.”
Time is such an elusive thing. The “bored” (a concept I could never understand), are said to have “time on their hands.” Truly, we all have the same number of hours in a day. How is it that some of us get so much more done than others? Attitude!
Time is an elusive concept. Do we ever have enough time? Most people today would say, “No.” For the victims at Virginia Tech, time ran out, unexpectedly. Incidents in public places are increasing, and they only serve to make us aware that today might be our last day, or tomorrow. Or, alternatively, we may be injured, suddenly and seriously.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to build some enjoyment into your daily life, whether that means taking up a new interest, going for a walk in a scenic area, or doing something very nice for someone else. We are always the recipients of joy ourselves when we give to others.
Ordinary people we are, and we are all much the same in that our days are numbered, no matter how much money we have, or how little; what kind of house we inhabit, or whether we are homeless; whether we travel by car, or navigate by bicycle. We are all on this planet together, but realize this: ALL of life is a temporal state. And, knowing that you will not always be here, build some meaningful activities into your life, daily.
Fear can only be transcended through a determination to be brave, and desperation can only be helped by the kindness of others. Let’s make a plan to improve ourselves a little each day. That is all we can do, besides saying a prayer that, for us, there will be a tomorrow. One NH songwriter, Harvey Reid, sings, “Lord, let me live to see another morning, Show me the road that leads to my home.” Love his work!
Have a lovely tomorrow, and please be kind to yourself and to others.
Pat
