Making a Difference
“America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.” George HW Bush
My colleagues are writing articles like “The Best Ten Books of the Year” or “Twenty Important Travel Products.” My computer keys are dormant in front of me. What can I possibly offer to my friends and followers that would be helpful? All I want for Christmas is a more peaceful, kinder, respectful, world, but that seems silly for one person to assume s/he could make a difference. Caused me to think about current people in my life who make a difference.
Sunshine
She invited some of her relatives and lots of her friends to a potluck at Thanksgiving. She invited friends who would not be eating with anyone. She’s done this for years. This year forty people appeared to share in the festivities. She roasts three turkeys, makes pans of dressing, locks up her overly ferocious puppy and assigned others for the potluck with graciousness, Southern hospitality. I treasure her Thanksgiving parties, having attended several. She helps restore souls at Thanksgiving who may doubt good people still exist in our crazy, demented world. She helps make a better world in her space.
Stressed
He is a widower with a fifteen-year-old autistic son and executive job, which requires travel. He helps his seventeen-year-old daughter learn to drive (although admitting to shouting like a wild animal at her), does most of the grocery shopping, takes his son to rock climbing and horse-back riding. He has help but it’s difficult. He makes the world in his immediate area better for his efforts.
Accepting
He is dying of cancer. We didn’t think he’d live until last Christmas, (2017), yet he courageously continues treatment, despite his pain and fears. He wants to see his twin granddaughters graduate from high school about ten years from now. He won’t make it unless a miracle happens. His pain and tedious four-hour blood transfusions every week or so make me cringe to think about it. He and his wife still travel, but it is not easy.
Everyone has a story. My tagline for writing is “Writing about Uncommon People and Places.” I may change that next year, as everyone has a story in them, some more fascinating than others, and not everyone cares about changing the world. That’s ok for them, but not for me.
Ann Richards, former governor of Texas (1991-1995) made a bigger swath for women and peace in the world than the friends I’ve mentioned. Mother Teresa reminds us that one person can make a huge difference in the world. Famous people are often fleeting but effective.
We set mini-goals yearly, knowing God is laughing. We plan, we try to execute the plans, but doctor appointments, taxes, haircuts, and family responsibilities often change plans in our limited geographic area. As we reflect on what we’ve accomplished this year, let’s challenge ourselves to take baby steps to build a more peaceful world.
For the month of December, I’m lowering the cost of my book Gift of the Suitcase to $10, if you order it directly from me. If you want the e-book, you must purchase it from Amazon. Send me a note if you want the paperback and I’ll let you know the total with postage. I cannot guarantee that it will arrive by Christmas, but it’s a good book for introspection, a gift for yourself. The book may not change the world much but I share how I learned to love and respect all people, although I fail miserably sometimes. My hope is that we not repeat the cruelty of prior generations.
I’ll be traveling in December with new stories to share with you in 2019. Meanwhile, have a joyous Christmas holiday season and a Happy New Year. You can and do make a difference.
Watch for changes I’ll make in my tiny niche next year.