Recent global and national events have been pretty much mind-boggling. The middle east is experiencing a major upheaval. Gas prices have risen to very uncomfortable highs. Inflation is raising its ugly head as the US dollar continues to weaken. Japan suffered unimaginable damage and loss of life in a major earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The US is increasingly embroiled in the Libyan conflict, increasing the possibility of engagement in a third war. Politics in the US are … well, they are politics. The US economy continues to stagger through a tepid recovery. In an almost dream-like diversion Prince William and Kate get married. US weather has been record breaking with rain, floods, tornadoes, drought and wildfires. Death dealing destruction has affected many. Then we receive news that Usama Bin Laden has been killed. Of course, there are probably many other circumstances that are significant but have been muted by these events.
It is understandable that these events influence and shape our attitudes and actions on a daily basis. For some, they can become all consuming. As I was thinking about them and feeling some of the anxiety of their reality, it occurred to me that there are a lot of people for whom those events are of lesser or no consequence. I think of Patty and Sharon who are desperately fighting cancer… two young boys whose father has abandoned them and their mother … a friend who just had an unanticipated heart procedure… a neighbor who is debilitated by a stroke and separated from his wife and children … and many more. It brings to mind an old adage. “When you’re up to your neck in alligators, it’s hard to remember that the original aim was to drain the swamp.”
What I realized is that my life circumstances are such that I have the luxury of thinking about and wrestling with these global impacting events. I am thankful for that but maybe I should be killing some alligators.