Over the past few months I have watched people I know spew vile words, pictures, rhetoric, be "scripture bullies" and more on social media. I joined a friend in a political fast not because I did not have an opinion or beliefs but because I like to have conversations and try to understand a person's view that may be the same or differ from mine. Over the past 10 years my opinions, beliefs and practices of life have evolved into who I am today. But I also pray to keep growing as a person over the next years of my life too and not become stagnant and stubborn in a way of life. Elections come and go, political life is so removed from the daily life of the rest of the world that sometimes I can even laugh about it. A state senator for KY said in 2010 he was spending the next 2 years making sure the President was not re-elected. I see this senator really cares about the state he is to be serving. I also do not get my news from the "standard" media. To find out what is going on in the world, one really has to search out other sources of news.
If Americans are so passionate about change then we should begin in our own communities; volunteer to mentor a child, visit a senior citizen who has no family near by, serve others, shop local, support your farmers, support Veterans, encourage your employer to think outside the box, enjoy your local parks, recycle, get to know your local government and what the struggles are in the community and plans for growth. These are just a few things that anyone can do but it takes motivation.
It requires action not just words.
It requires time not just a rant.
It requires us to think about someone else not just our self.
We will not always get "our way" so for many that just means stay at home in my own bubble and complain about everything. Throw $5 in the red kettle or offering plate and say I did my part.
(I'm sorry the last two sentences were part of my rant!)
November also brings us Veteran's Day. I have family members who are Veterans. Friends who are Veterans and a son who is currently serving in the US Air Force. I am also working with a homeless Veteran and have others clients that are Veterans.
As a child I remember going to the Veteran's Day parade in Charleston WV. Standing on the sidewalk seeing flags waving, signs of gratitude, and clapping as the Veterans went by. I remember when Bennett was a boy and he would see someone in uniform or know they were a Veteran, he always wanted to meet them. In the 4th grade his teacher's husband was serving out of the country and Bennett's class wrote him letters of encouragement. Bennett received a special coin from him and has it to this day.
I remember meeting with one of my young homeless Veterans back in Charleston while working at Manna Meal. He had been discharged because of a drug addiction he acquired while being in the sand pit. So for him this means he is not a Veteran, he is someone who served and fought in battle but will not receive Veteran benefits nor can he have that title. He is one of many. As he and I spoke tears fell down this 24 year old's face. He said, I've lost everything. My best friend and girl friend just died from a heroine overdose. I'm in treatment and I have no job skills. I served 3 years in the Army as a mercenary, my only job skill is killing people and I don't think that is useful here at home." Another Veteran had served in the Marine Corps. Tragedy had struck his family and sent him to a dark place in his soul. Nightmares haunted him anytime his eyes were closed. He worked 2 jobs to try to survive. A friend of mine is 75 years old, served as a Marine many years ago. He is a retired pastor who prays for peace in the world. Another friend an Army Veteran who is in his mid 40's is a pastor in KY, he prays for peace in the world.
Some day my son will be a Veteran of the United States of America Air Force.
Pray for those who have served, are serving, and will serve. Pray for peace.
Next comes Thanksgiving....this Thursday. This day for many is all about football and food. Some families have traditions, some families have none, some families only gather on "that" day, others gather whenever the gang can all be there. My family's Thanksgivings have changed through the years. We use to gather at my grandparents homes when I was a kid. My Mama Edens was all about the traditional meal with plenty of mashed potatoes for me. My Mama Meadows was about traditional dessert but you never knew what the meal would be. Her pecan pie is still my favorite. My mom makes her recipe every year. Then came time for my Mom and Dad to begin our own tradition and well we are a no tradition family. My brother use to work shift work so we gathered whenever he was off. My mom cooked whatever she wanted; lasagna, roast beef, baked steak, turkey...let's not forget the year we had Turkey Ham! This is still our "tradition" at Mom's house. My brother no longer works shift work but I no longer live nearby and the grandkids are all grown. On the other side of my family, my mother-in-law, Janie was all about the traditional meal. She would cook a turkey breast with all the trimmings and we would gather at her house for dinner. This will be our 6th Thanksgiving with Janie not at the table, our meals there have never been the same. I remember our first Thanksgiving without her, none of us were in the mood for the traditional foods so we had squirrel and steaks! Yes, you read that right - squirrel!! Squirrel gravy is sooooo good. For Tommy and I this is our 2nd Thanksgiving without Bennett being able to be with us. It makes the day have a different feel to it now.
I think back to history class as a child learning about the first Thanksgiving meal. I wonder how many of us would be willing to invite someone who is different from us to the table, to share a meal - laughter - conversation. This takes me back to the beginning of my writing today and the title of my post
"Three important days in November...what about the other 362".
Our words and actions are important everyday of the year. Don't just rant about who you hate have a conversation. Don't just think a Veteran one time a year. Don't worry about the Thanksgiving meal or when it is just enjoy the time with those you love.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Love Wins.
