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My grandson Ezra is part of his school band. He's in the sixth grade, but this is his first year. He plays the trumpet and is doing really well. Grandpa and I are proud of his efforts. He's quite dedicated.
A couple of months ago he announced that there was going to be a Christmas concert on December 18th. He's talked about it a lot, which means it's important to him.
Last night was the big night. Glide Elementary, Junior High and High School bands performed and so did the High School choir. I have to be honest - I wasn't excited about attending. I just wanted to stay home and rest. A book launch, Christmas shopping, extra shopping for my mom and house building have kept me busy. I'm tired. But I couldn't miss - this concert mattered too much to Ezra. So, my husband and I trudged out to the car and drove down to the school gym, and were not feeling exactly enthusiastic. I'm glad we didn't give in to our weariness, though, because the concert was exactly what we needed.
The performance was the highlight of my month. By the buzz of kids and parents I don't think we were the only ones who felt that way.
The fifth and sixth grade bands have a good deal to learn, but they put on a fine performance as did the junior high band. When the high school group started warming up, it was clear we were in for a treat. Wow! What a difference a few years and a good teacher make. They were really good! I was immediately uplifted and filled with the warmth of the Christmas season. To top off the evening there were toe tapping performances by the high school choir and some outstanding solos.
Last night wasn't just about being entertained. It was about being part of our community.
While listening, my heart and mind were filled with memories of years past. I watched Gale Graham, the band and choir teacher, raise his baton and lead the performers through the music selections. Almost immediately, I felt like part of a family. Back in the mid 1980's my own children began their musical journeys under Gale's leadership. Seeing him guide this new batch of kids warmed my heart. Ezra's already made it clear he thinks Mr. Graham is the best and he's hoping Gale will remain until he graduates from high school.
It was good to see and chat with friends and neighbors. Hugs, laughter, pats on the back and sharing tidbits from our lives reminded me how blessed I am to be part of this community. And it got me wondering about how I could do more to connect. Since my children have grown up I'm not involved like I once was, but I want to be. So, here are a few ideas I've had. Maybe you can add to them.
- Keep in touch with local groups via Facebook.
- Take part in activities.
- Volunteer at the food bank.
- Offer to help at the school.
- Attend school programs.
- Show up and cheer on our athletes at sporting events.
I'm sure there are lots of other ways to be involved. I'm definitely going to give it more thought. How about you? Our communities matter. There is so much opportunity to reach out to one another, to help or just be a friend. Let's see what each of us can do to be part of our community family.
I'd love to hear from you and learn more about what's happening in your town.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
This morning a dear friend of mine posted reasonable fears and frustrations about her job and lack of income because she works for the government, and beginning today she would have to work without pay. In her Facebook post she included the political party she blamed for the shut down. As you can guess, her timeline lit up with responses. Her page was hijacked and I was one of the hijackers. I feel badly about doing that and decided if I wanted to post my thoughts I should do so on my own site.
So, this is how I feel about the government shut down and the Affordable Care Act.
As I watch all the finger pointing name calling I feel sick. I do not think this is one political party's or one person's or even one president's fault. We want to blame someone because we don't want to accept any of the blame, but we're all in this together. America is, after all, about We the People. At least we used to be.
We are responsible to educate ourselves on the issues of the day and to vote with our minds and our hearts. One or the other alone is not enough - we need both sound thinking and compassion.
I am a Republican, but that does not mean I agree with everything the Republican party does. Nor am I against everything the Democrat party does. I am for the American people.
Years ago while writing the Sowers Trilogy I was impressed by the people of the United States who lived through the 1930's Great Depression. The people of the time weren't perfect, they were just people which means we're full of self. But as I read through historical accounts of those days I saw heroism, courage and neighborliness. Most did not shirk their duties. Most reached out to others in need. Americans pulled together to survive.
How far we have fallen.
Today, too many of us are dependent on our government. We tear one another apart. We refuse to be accountable for our actions. And so many of us are far from God. We've forgotten or never knew what it feels like to walk with Him, to take His hand, listen to His words of wisdom and make that love and wisdom part of who we are.
We were better once.
I want our leaders to remember why they lead. Leadership is not about self. It's about serving others. Those folks in Washington DC are supposed to have America's best interests at heart. They are not there just to get re-elected. They are not there to wield power. The greatest man who ever walked this earth was a servant.
I plead with our leaders to remember where they've come from and who they serve and why.
The other big change in the news is the Affordable Care Act. I'm not a supporter of this bill.
I do not want to see socialized medicine here in the United States. It sounds good, but in the long run people receive lower quality care and there will be fewer doctors, which means there will be long waits for care. We don't have to look far to see how it does NOT work. So, what do we do? Too many Americans are going without the medical help they need.
I'm convinced that if the people of our nation would work together our brilliant minds could come up with a solution. There is so much more power in arms that are linked than in arms that are folded across arrogant chests.
What happened to our volunteers? So many holes could be filled by those willing to give away a little of their time. There are gifted doctors, nurses, dentists who have time to give. Retirees volunteer in all sorts of positions, why not contribute some of that time to those who can't afford to pay for medical or dental care? Or those who just need someone who cares?
And Americans, what happened to personal responsibility? If I receive services from a care giver I need to be responsible and pay for those services, even if it means I go out to dinner or a movie less often. Or give up my satellite television or my smart phone. I'm responsible to pay. Not my neighbor, not my government - me.
I'm going to apologize to my friend for joining the crowd on her Facebook page and refrain from jumping in anywhere else. And I welcome comments and ideas here.
But if you name call or use profanity I will delete your comment.
We can be better. Believe it. I pray Americans will spread around lots of love and a lot less venom.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
