Thinking Out Loud

Happy Thanksgiving! Having one day a year where you focus on what you are grateful for is good, but for me, living in gratitude daily, is better. Did I inherit gratitude or learn it? I have no desire to engage in that debate. I'm just grateful I'm grateful. I was reflecting this morning on my newfound beliefs, or perhaps my recently discarded beliefs, and I realized that if I had to choose one changed belief that that has most dramatically changed me, it would have to be my belief that people are good. Yep, I no longer believe in Satan or sin. And even though I don't believe the Bible to be any truer than any other book, I do love how the author had his God declare all his creations "Good."  No one is evil. Yes, some people commit horrible, nasty acts, but not because they are evil, but because they are not well. Hurting people hurt others. This realization is far more empowering than believing that some people are simply corrupted. We can help heal hurting...

I ran into Smith's today to deposit a check and on my way into the store, I noticed a man holding a sign asking for assistance. I made a mental note to help him on my way out. As I was driving out of the parking lot, it wasn't convenient to stop--he was on the other side of the road and I was in a hurry to get home, so I drove on by and glanced the other way. Why do we do that? I know why. When we look away, we can pretend we don't see their suffering. And if we don't see it, we are off the hook to help or don't have to feel guilty for not helping.  Well, I didn't get too far before turning my car around. I wanted that man to know "I see you!" "I see your suffering and your suffering is mine!" I pulled up to the curb and rolled down the passenger side window. I was now close enough to see his cardboard sign that read, "Working on getting my situation worked out." He stammered, "I'm working on getting back to work and I...