May
People have asked me why my blogging has fallen off of late. I think it is because I have a new understanding of May. I don't feel like my usual jolly, creative, happy, peaceful self.
I am terribly saddened by the violence that seems to be everywhere. The Paris massacre occurred during a weekend getaway with a group of quilters, taking the edge off of the joy of being together. Then there was San Bernardino. And so many other senseless shootings. Someone said, "You know what's the worst thing about today's shooting? That it's today's shooting."
I am incredulous that most of the leaders of this country don't see a need for more stringent gun control. I am disgusted with those who say that guns don't kill people; people do. I am appalled that a distant (and growing more distant) relative supports the NRA.
And then there's the candidate. What he is saying, what he is proposing, is so horrific that I don't even think I have the words. Worse, apparently there really are Americans who support this racist, egotistical man (probably that relative, I fear).
I thought about not reading the news anymore, but that would be irresponsible and, besides, it's all over Facebook.
So I'm kind of hunkering down and focusing more intently on the family, reveling in the small successes of my autistic students, sewing as much as I can, and generally avoiding much of the world.
I'm an empathetic person. That's what makes me a good hospital chaplain. But being empathetic has its downside, I'm discovering. I feel like May Boatwright.
Comments
(I don't usually comment on posts that lean into politics. Blogging is my escape from all that, but I couldn't help myself chiming in on this one!)
Yes, guns kill people, but it's people who are aiming the guns and pulling the trigger, a point that the NRA is reluctant to address.
Don't get me started on those who are working to cut Social Security, aid to the disabled, allow the pillaging of our National Parks, allow the horrors of fracking, and fight clean air and clean water bills. How can they get one vote? Don't voters have grandparents and older friends who need Social Security and paid into it? Don't they need clean air to breathe and clean water to drink? How can they look themselves in the mirror or go to church?
And that arrogant candidate is a really bad and dangerous joke. Really?
Whew! Thanks for sharing your worthy soapbox. All that said, perhaps I can shake it off and get back to the joy. Joy to the world, all the boys and girls ...
Big hugs!
What I am trying to do, is look outward and see "who can I help today?" I can't do everything, but I can do something to make my space in this world a little bit better.
Love and Hugs
As Lori says, we can only try hard to brighten our own corner of the world and the people around us.