What is most fascinating concerning humanity is that given the difficulty of life – all its challenges, its limitations, its hazards, many men and women rise above it all, and succeed in making their lives worthy, meaningful and beneficial for themselves, for life and the life of others.
Poverty, abuse, isolation, physical and mental disabilities, rejection and failure, being an orphan, the lack of proper schooling, denizen of a hostile, fearful and/or deprived environment, a citizen of restrictive, demoralizing, authoritarian government, prejudice and bigotry against their particular sex, race or beliefs - all that may severely test one’s ability to develop normally, none-the-less, does not stop many courageous beings from creating wonderful, creative, substantial and loving lives. In fact, these same obstacles seem to act as an impetus in developing the character traits and attitudes that are needed that lead to such positive outcomes.
While many fall and get ground up under the weight of all the many difficulties and limitations that can befall one in this life, the fact that so many of us rise to the challenge is a testimony not only to the strength and resilience of human-kind, but also to the triumph of God.* What is most important to remember, it is not that these successes are so grand, so large and effecting so much of life and so many people. No, it is the small and thought insignificant little things that bring some joy, some happiness, some inspiration, some new life to others and to life itself.
I think of the postman/woman delivering the mail through thick or thin; the hard working Father/Mother at times working two jobs to provide for their children; the bus drivers carefully driving for the safety of their passengers; the philanthropist giving his fortune for the benefit of others; the Doctors and nurses caring for the sick and injured; the thoughtful friend providing a smiling face and a warm hug when it is so sorely needed; the gentle man or woman giving up their seat on the subway for an elderly person and so much more.
If one needs inspiration. If one needs motivation. If one needs to get above one’s debilitating and self-disparaging thoughts. If one needs to remove oneself of the doldrums of one’s depression. If one needs to stop feeling sorry for oneself and one’s self-pitying ideation, all one needs do is look to those who have been able to give of themselves in the service of human-kind despite their own difficulties. Who have been perhaps tested by life’s ubiquitous demands and tribulations, have met them with courage and honor, and continue to open their hearts and minds to others.
These beings are all over the place and in all walks of life. And it these same people who have brought some good, some compassion and caring, some thoughtfulness and concern, some betterment to others and to life itself. In truth, one does not have to look far to find such people. And that is the real glory and the miracle of life.
• “ The fulfillment of this whole creation is to be found in man (woman). And this object is only fulfilled when man (woman) has awakened to that part of his (her) being which represents the master: in other words, God Himself. It is in man (woman) that the divine perfection is to be seen.”
*This essay was written for June publication, but I was unable to access the site to post it.
(it is 13-19 August in Chicago)