It seems I brought the rain when I flew in the other day. The rain is very much needed here in the "south". The Austin area has been in drought conditions for three years now and every bit of rain helps. The Colorado River has been dammed up to create several reservoirs (lakes) and they say these lakes are at their lowest levels since the 1950s. Although the rain does dampen our outside activities I'm happy its raining.
The term drought seems to go well with the blog I had written the other day but did not post. I was contemplating how little integrity, honesty and caring we have in society as of late. I was thinking about the correlation between church attendance and the lack of these basic values. A few generations back church was an integral part of our community for social connection and for teaching the ten commandments. If we consider one of the subtle ones - thou shalt not bear false witness. To me this means not to lie. Hmm, if we did not lie or hide the truth would our society not be more honest and have more integrity ? If we followed this basic principle we would not need the government to put rules/mandates in place to ensure our Government officials are open and transparent.
If we move to the New Testament we are told to love one another. I don't think there is anyway we will love let alone like everyone. I believe we are being told to be kind to each other. Kindness can be shown in so many ways. What I see as basic kindness once was custom in our society - saying hi to each other, smiling at each other, opening a door, helping someone carry out their groceries, putting a grocery cart away, holding the elevator door etc. etc. Kindness should be shown to everyone even those who we maybe uncomfortable sharing it with. As the news outlets seem to print more bad stories then good maybe we are just fearful to engage with each other for fear of something happening. And those we wish to show kindness to are fearful to accept it. It just would be nice if these values we once held dear which seem to be considered "old" today were reintroduced in society. Sad part is the best form of reintroduction is by example and we don't have many examples of this anymore. Maybe its time to go back to church to connect with a generation that believe in these values and along the way develop some sort of belief. In today's world some churches are changing and the message is not about hell and brimstone rather about communion, compassion and connection. " Yes, Virginia there is a Santa " Yes, World there is something out there in our universe. It might not mean the same to everyone but I believe all cultures and "religions" can believe in one thing there is something out there but we really don't know what it is we just have the faith to know there is something.
A little update on the Monster. The Monster is enjoying Texas but trying not to enjoy it too much.
Pay it forward with a little kindness this week.
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