A Chaotic and Frightening Week

From the threat of a nuclear war, to terrorist attacks in Barcelona, to

bloodshed on our own soil, and now stabbings in Finland, this has been

one heartache and worry filled week.  I have done my best to limit the 

news I watch and listen to, but it's hard to keep one's head in the sand

every minute of every day when each day seems to bring another 

nightmare.  I try to stay upbeat and happy both for my own mental

health, but also for the sake of my family and friends.  It's not an easy

task in today's world.  

When I consider this world of today, I have to wonder why it is that

some seem to be so intent on tearing apart it's very fabric.  There have

been so many advancements in science and medicine that have eliminated

deadly disease and prolonged life.  Technology has streamlined our lives

and increased the opportunity of an education for many.  There are 

chances for many who were left behind in the past.

Are we perfect?  No, we are not, and there is always room for advancement.

I wonder why we can't focus on the goodness and the ability to help

one another and to strive against suffering.  That's where we should be

putting our energy to use ~ building up and not tearing down.  

Whatever happened in the past, is just that, the past.  We can't go back

and change it, as much as we would like.  We can learn from the past and

strive not to make the same mistakes.  

Forgiveness is not always easy.  I have experience with forgiveness and it

is something I have struggled to embrace.  However, if I were to remain in

a state of anger and resentment, it would be as though I was constantly

removing the scab on an old wound, and I could never heal.  I believe this 

is true for society as well.  At some point, we have to chose to accept the 

past and to realize that we need to make changes so that we all can have

a bright future.

Isn't that what we all want for ourselves, our families and our fellow

man?  A brighter future where we do our best to serve one another?

The choice is ours.  Do we move ahead and plan for better days, or do

we hang on to century old resentments and preclude any chance for

the advancement of growth?  

It's easy to hide our heads in the sand and ignore the problems of our

world, and I certainly could happily hang out in my cozy corner and

ignore the what is happening just outside my door.  I can't really do that,

nor can anyone else.  We could all use some time out to cool off and

put things in perspective.  The choice is always ours to spread goodness

or to spread hate.  It is my hope that we can focus on the positive and

scrap the negative.  Lets work together as a nation, and stop

pointing fingers of blame that only tears apart the fabric that holds

this great nation together.   We are blessed that our nation represents

every color and creed of humanity.  A house that is divided will not 

stand.  I pray that we can hold our house together for the benefit of all.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley