THE GOOD NEW DAYS
The critical mind plays havoc on the present moment. In a time when many of us with a spiritual perspective can see so much that is wrong with the world, there is much talk about the “good old days” when we were more in touch with the earth, each other and the basic aspects of life. When we were back there in those “good old days”, did we know how good they were? Most likely, we were looking at what was wrong instead of what was right, and longing for some other time, past or future. Be that as it may, we are well served now to ask, “What is good about these days?” One day these may be the “good old days”. Project forward ten or twenty years, look back on today and imagine what you might long for. Look around you at your life right now, and notice what you would miss if it were gone. Notice the people that may not always be there. Be aware of the comforts, conveniences and blessings that surround you all of the time. Notice your privilege, the opportunities and freedoms that exist for you because of your family, your wealth, your ethnic background, your nationality. A scene from “Saving Private Ryan” comes to mind. As he was dying, the sergeant played by Tom Hanks said to Private Ryan, “Earn this”. This stuck with me. I ask myself, am I earning my privileges and blessings? Am I taking time for appreciation and gratitude, for “giving back”? Many have worked long and hard so that you and I may have the luxury and opportunity that we enjoy today. Let’s show our gratitude. Each of us must decide for ourselves how best to do that.
