I write a blog so my brain can handle complex issues while
news media endlessly reports broad problems in the nation. Political discourse
is often vile; although this is understandable, it is still unpleasant to
weather.
Some people simply treat those who don’t agree with them as
though they are mentally defective. Their language is demeaning. It is also
insulting intentionally. They feel free to act this way but they do more harm
to themselves. Others will not treat them with the same respect as before if
they observe them acting unfairly and nastily.
Social media makes all things more present and instant. That
is not license, however, to be rude. Incivility attracts more incivility. The conversation
goes nowhere. Worse, it wastes time, effort and contacts.
Attention turns to positive matters. The church has a
project in need of volunteers; the outcomes are worthy and the hand goes up. A new
client signs on to SCORE and I gladly take the case. SCORE workshops often seek
partner mentors for students enrolled in the class. Again, the assignment is
accepted. A young fellow is addicted to alcohol; his family and I attempt to
steer him to detox; it works; he enrolls for 30 days. He ‘graduated’ Friday and we brought him home. Now it is him against the world outside the protection
of the rehab center. He is scared. He worries. We calm him down. We leave him
for his first time home alone in a month. We have our fingers crossed; I suspect
so does he! We continue to counsel teen drug addicts on Wednesday evening. They
are varied in their demeanor and attitudes. Sometimes they are open to our
work; other times not so much. This is a hard week; too many absent; only one
is present and her case is mostly emotional and needs other caregiving
attention. Not ours.
Other opportunities pop up to study, read, write and think
of untried solutions. We do this. It tests the brain. And personal resolve. The
work is needed; can I do it? Enough so to make a difference? Time will tell;
meanwhile we say yes and learn more. We stretch our boundaries. A little each
day. It feels good.
The good balances the bad surrounding us. It is a
counterpoint of possibility. Rewarding in the face of doing nothing and being
helpless.
The nasty rejoinders and political noise can be ignored for
now. We have more important work to do.
May 7, 2018
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