I admit to fear and to worry and to doubt. I am fortunate in these times of fear and uncertainty, where many are suffering the most dramatic and awful change of their lives. I am thankful, every day, for what I have: my good health (and health insurance), my loved ones (and their good health), my great job (that I am lucky to love) and the basics we all need (food, shelter, etc…). My heart goes out to those who are suffering because I remember earlier days where a roof over my head was uncertain, not much food (so thankful for free school lunch programs) and no health insurance (or money for much needed medicines, like my asthma inhaler). I remember and my heart cries out for them.
What I wonder about is the thread of small, angry voices I hear on the web. Why? Is it fear that causes some to rant and say others deserve such awful reversals of fortune? Is it spite or small mindedness? Self-righteousness and smug insensitivity? I guess I just don’t get it. Yes, some are in their current situations due to unwise choices. I don’t know about you but I’ve made more than a few “unwise choices” in my life and had to live with those consequences. This doesn’t mean that I don’t feel for them though. It doesn’t mean that I take pleasure or feel smug about their situation. I know I am not alone in this because I read and hear those voices too – the wondering ones who feel empathy and are thankful for what they have.
Each day, I will live in joy (for my good fortune) and fear (that it might somehow go awry) and empathy (for those who have lost so much). I suspect, this is how my year will go. How about you?