Walked out early this morning into a face
full of hot wind and a yard full of smoke. For one frightening moment, I looked
to the east, expecting to see a towering wall of flame and ash, but all the
trees were still green. Well, green-ish. We need a break from the heat and a
good rain shower. At least on this end of the country.
We live in interesting times, as the old
Chinese curse goes. One third of the United States is on fire, one third is
under water and the other third wants to argue about if humans impact their
environment. (Note to the Mathematicians/Scientists/Sticklers for Fact among
you: all statistics/ratios/data I cite will totally be made up on the spot and
shouldn’t be considered based on any hard data other than how I feel at this
moment in time. It’s entirely possible there is yet a third portion of the US
that is watching cat videos on the internet and doesn’t care that I must now go
back and redo all my math because even I know that you can’t have four thirds
of a single whole. Thanks a lot, video watchers.)
Because I grew up in a small town, it came
as no surprise to me that neighbor would help neighbor when the water came for
Houston. It’s what neighbors do. I am reminded of the famous quote from Mr.
Rodgers’ mother who said, “In times of trouble, instead of despairing, we
should look for the helpers.”
Look for those running towards the problem,
not away.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the
problems facing our neighbors, our country, ourselves---ask “what can I do?”
and then . . . do that thing. Small kindnesses can be a quiet form of heroism.
Small monetary donations can add up. Individual snowflakes can add up to a
blizzard. We can all do something to make it better, to mitigate suffering.
Good neighbors give me hope.
Go, Good Neighbors, go!
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