Last night I sat down to watch the news. Instead of choosing a local news station or even a national one, I chose instead to watch the BBC. I would recommend everyone do this every now and then. It brings a different perspective on the world, one that seems somehow more balanced, more global. As I watched I wondered if the whole world is unraveling. I know that this is not a thought based in faith but it is what I experienced as I watched the various places around the world where the least among us, those with little privilege, little resources, seem to be moving farther and farther toward the margins,helpless.
I was reminded of something that one of my children asked once. "Why is the news always about the terrible stuff happening? What would happen if the news was made up of the good stuff people do?" This is a question we have probably all asked ourselves. And every now and then the news reports will tell the stories of those who, given difficult choices, choose the greater good. We should all take comfort in the fact that the majority of people are doing the right thing, the kind thing, the noble thing, the just thing….otherwise we’d be hearing their names on the nightly news!
When I was starting down the unraveling road, I remembered the Boy Scouts who the day before had put into action many of the things they had learned on their way to a sash full of badges. As a tornado hit their campsite in Iowa, they looked to the skies, helped one another, especially those younger and more vulnerable to places of safety. They talked one another through their fears, held hands and laid flat against the ground or found doorways and ditches. When it was clear there were injuries, they performed CPR, ripped bandannas for tourniquets, stopped blood from flowing, pulled others to safety from amidst the rubble. I am sure they also shed tears and helped one another grieve as they waited for those that didn’t survive to be attended to. I don’t think there is a badge for that unless we simply call it ‘life’.
I am thinking of the people who have lined the river and waterways waiting for the two Minnesota boys who are following the path of Eric Sevareid’s Canoeing with the Cree. I have written before about Sean Bloomfield and Colton Witte, recent high school graduates are making their way to Hudson Bay chasing a dream that was planted in them in seventh grade. As they have traveled over these weeks, people have lined the path offering food, shelter, help, but mostly encouragement and affirmation to these modern day adventurers.
When another tornado hit Hugo, Minnesota a few weeks ago, the word went out that people were needed to help with cleanup and carrying debris away. One requirement was the ability to use a chain saw. They needed 400 people…..4000 responded.
These, of course, are the big stories but there are countless others played out each day of those who, despite all kinds of odds, do the right thing, the kind thing, the noble thing, the just thing. We just don’t hear their stories. But here’s my suggestion. The next time you see someone behaving in this way, let them know you noticed. I did this this past week as I visited twin boys born prematurely. The neonatal nurse was talking sweetly as she cared for these beautiful, innocent, vulnerable ones. She stood like a sentinel when I came into the nursery until I could prove who I was and that I should be there. I’m glad for her vigilance. As I left I simply said, "Thank you for all you do." Her reply, "We love our work."
For all those in the world who love their work. For all those who do what is right, what is kind, what is noble, what is just. Thank you. May your anonymity never be obscured by the world’s need of you.
"In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank
Enjoy this last weekend of spring……………