| The world is a serious place these days. These days? Can you
recall a time when folks said anything else?
I remember having a conversation with my father who had been born in 1890, and
trying to tell him that the world was more difficult than during his youth. He
laughed out loud at my notions.
"You think we didn't have wars, drugs, and gangsters?" "Believe me," he said,
"there was mustard gas, just as much cocaine, and plenty of drive-by shootings
in the 1920s."
Now, whenever anyone is going on about how much better life was in the 1950s, I
tell them about witch hunts, lynching, Biafra, and bomb drills.
Throughout history, people have used some "crisis" or other as an excuse for
prejudice and rude behavior. The truth is, however, that times of stress are
when the world is more in need of civility and caring. There is always a chance
to choose courtesy and compassion. That is how we demonstrate character.
My father was old during our conversation, and I am no Spring chicken now. There
are decided benefits to aging, not the least of which is a sense of perspective
about life.
With time, we learn that the best way to face any situation is with the quiet
will to better it in any honorable way we can. We know that cruel words spoken
may be remembered for decades, so that it is best to state our opinions without
rancor, and bite our tongues if no good purpose can be served by speaking. A
fool makes snappy retorts to insults or intrusive questions; the wise person
meets them with silence, the most powerful statement of all.
There is one more thing we know, there is nothing more precious and effective
than laughter. This does not mean that it is good to ignore problems, but that
they are more easily solved between people of good will. A smile will open doors
which are closed to the strongest of battering rams.
Yes, the world is full of dire events, but it is also replete with blessings. A
heart which is open to kindness and beauty is one that will make this Earth a
better place. Be as serious about giving praise and thanks to G-d, as you are
about making requests. A recitation of the good will give you strength to help
deal with the bad.
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