The Island of Man?
Can a man be an island? Can a woman be an island? Can we all survive on our own with a minimal amount of contact with other human beings? You might sit there and say: Of course not! How could that ever work?
Well, I don't think it can at all. I have meet a few people in my short time whom belie they can survive "on their own" without any help from anyone. They tell me that they are known "independent" people. Let us all say that together, shall we? In-dee-pend-ant. First, I find that a lot of them turn out to be selfish people that care a little about others but only so much until it makes their lives difficult or uncomfortable. I suppose there are a lot of those types out there in the world, but I think it is a sad statement that a bunch of the population of young Canadians are selfish buggers.
Which brings me to another point. Today is Ash Wednesday. It is a day where people are supposed to take a look at themselves and to think about the next forty days and nights as a time to evaluate themselves and their lives. It is a time to take everything out of one's closet, both physical and mental, and decide whether or not to discard it. I would discard my selfish attitudes. I am sure I have a lot of them. As a matter of fact, I know I have a lot of them. Just like anyone, I suppose.
There are times when you should just think of yourself! It is okay! Think of yourself once in a while.
Granted, there are times when thinking of one's self is a good thing but I think there are a lot of people who decide those moments are many and close between. I see it happen and I am sure that I do it too, but I think it happens all too often these days. I read this stilly reader book in grade school called "How It Is Nowadays". I remember that title because it struck me as funny and I learned to accept, simply because of that title, that there are times when one realizes that many things in the world are meant to develop as they go. How they develop is how it will unfold and there isn't a whole lot anyone can do about it.
I think those thoughts are wrong. I know that there are things people can do. Times where attitudes can change. It is just a question of commitment and realizing where people can develop their efforts. So, in all seriousness, over the next few weeks why don't we all go out and see just what it is that we can do as a people in those damaged communities out there and really reach out and do something to help another. Even if it is just one person. Seek them out and help them to grow, even if it is just giving someone you know a hug.
Anyway, on that note, I have some hugging to do...I suppose my theme this week is joining people together for a mutual benefit. So, stop listening to that inner voice telling you that you are an island of faith or power or whatever. Help others, won't you?
