Ever
hear that story? In one of several iterations, this one features two deer,
running away from a hungry wolf. As one
turns to the other and, in between ragged breaths yells… “we have to outrun the wolf”, the other one yells “Actually, I only have to run faster than you”
in response. The moral of the story is that, basically, in this world of
getting ahead at any price (to oneself or someone else) everyone seems to be
out there for him (or her)self.
Events
and moments which could well be much like the one depicted above are very far
from uncommon, and we ourselves have been involved in some like them from time
to time. Of course, in those, we have always slowed down to try and help the
other party escape the hungry wolf… right?
OK,
you can plead the 5th amendment if you choose… no problem. We
understand as we quietly do the same.
Living
in the past is not the idea behind these postings that sometimes come across as
perhaps too nostalgic; it has never been. The “snapshots” which are often
presented to you, are meant to depict a way of life which no longer is… also,
and primarily, they are to become a sort of small written legacy for my own
children to perhaps begin to understand the culture from which their parents (or, in one case, one of the parents)
come. My son loved to read these postings; every time we talked, he had
questions. And I know that at least one of my daughters also reads them every
so often… She actually wants more “snapshots from the past’…
It
was a simpler life, a simpler world without any of the current amenities and
toys which we so much enjoy touting now. No cell phones, no computers, no I-Pods/Pads/phones
and, of course, no internet; we had very basic TV without Emma, Ophra, or
family “talk shows” depicting all the ugly personal issues for the world to
see… of course, no one living at that time –in our hometown, anyway- would
participate in these just to have 15 seconds of fame(or infamy)… (OMG… HOW COULD YOU LIVE THAT WAY !!!... I can hear some young reader
exclaim...)
Going
back to the original title statement, it was also a time when greed and
selfishness were more controlled. Over the last 3 decades, we have become a
society of “me firsts” which calls for our own fulfillment before we even
consider helping someone else. Yes, it is true that one has to be content in
order to help and spread the contentment around but, achieving that state of
mind does not necessarily mean to hoard and amass just for the sake of having
more.
Most
of what we now see in TV and in the harangues given to the general public from current
crop of “self-help gurus” revolves around the concept of immediate self fulfillment
and of the “me first” attitude. Sadly, this message has found its way into the
preaching of more than a few pastors and churches. Seems they believe that the
message from the Bible will not be as successful if not couched in these self
aggrandizement terms. Not so much “fun” to follow a message of self containment
if not supported by a message of promised riches and wealth. Too bad.
A few
generations back (how many years in a
generation, anyway?) one would not even think of walking by someone in need
of immediate assistance without stopping to offer help. Today, more than one
documentary has been filmed where people just look the other way, go around or
even, in one occasion, actually jump
over a body lying on the ground. We live in a society which cares more for the
perceived needs of a stray animal than we do for the real needs of a homeless
person. In my book, not a good sign.
The
moral of this story line is that we, as human beings, are simply passengers of
this so called “spaceship earth” and it is up to us to cooperate with one
another in order to continue to inhabit this planet and to be able to pass it
on to our progeny. Whether we agree or not with our neighbors, there is actually
room for more than one opinion in our societies. We cannot be so boring as to
spouse the myth that only what I think is the right way of thinking. Is one of
several… and each is dear and important to he/she who is a part of it.
Maybe,
there is something in these snapshots which may act as a trigger to help you accept that not all that is from the past, needs to be put "out to pasture”.
Now, if you and someone else were running away from the wolf, in one of its
many guises… would you help your fellow runner or… simply run faster to save
yourself?
Be
Well … Be Back!!!
Final Notes:
- Pray for those who are fighting an illness which
may take them away from their loved ones… Every request is heard, and
counts!!
- Follow us on Twitter … @RJAsPandora
- Any comments please send to otherboxp@yahoo.com
- Remember: We are “On Air” every Sunday night at
6:30pm EST (GT –5hrs). http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theotherbox If the link does not work, please just copy and paste
to your address bar.
- “La
Otra Caja de Pandora”… The
Spanish language Blog… “otracaja.blogspot.com”
… Bienvenidos!!!
Be
Well … Be Back!!!
Final Notes:
- Pray for those who are fighting an illness which
may take them away from their loved ones… Every request is heard, and
counts!!
- Follow us on Twitter … @RJAsPandora
- Any comments please send to otherboxp@yahoo.com
- Remember: We are “On Air” every Sunday night at
6:30pm EST (GT –5hrs). http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theotherbox If the link does not work, please just copy and paste
to your address bar.
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