Subscribe Feed (RSS)Off Topic: Why Being Hopeful Isn’t Foolish
December 31st, 2008 by Casey .
There have been times when I’ve been glum. There have been times I’ve been numb. And certainly times I’ve been dumb.
But I’ve almost always been hopeful.
This made for a level of scorn when I was young and my peers became sophisticated and jaded as only over-educated and under-experienced 20-somethings can. It has also lead to some particularly cynical people thinking I was “putting on” my optimism.
Recently, though, hopefulness has come less easily.
Possibly this has happened due to realizing that – contrary to my previous assumptions – the forces of gravity have not decided to spare me. Maybe it’s being the mother to mostly-fully-cooked children, thereby eliminating a portion of my identity for the last couple of decades.
Or maybe it’s been the spirit-drubbing news over the last year or so.
I mean, honestly. It’s been like a lousy screenplay. All that’s been missing are locusts and frogs raining down upon us.
But then I see a post from John Robinson, editor of the News & Record, and realize that there are exciting and energizing forces all around us.
Or I think about how our next president looks to be more than just Not-The-Current-One but to truly have a plan, a brain, a heart and a soul. The real deal.
And sometimes it’s just something as simple as looking up from my notebook to see my youngest, home from college and full of hope himself, goofily looking at me over the screen like some modern day Kilroy.
You just gotta love that kid. He’s great. All our children are.
And I can’t help but be hopeful. It feels good to be back.
Thanks, Casey. Times are indeed terrible for both our chosen occupations. But then I look at my mother, a child of the depression, and think, I’ve got it pretty good, despite the crap that’s going on.
We live in interesting times. To me, they’re good times, even if I have a lot of bad days.
I’m glad to have met you virtually and gotten to know you a little over the past few months. Happy New Year.
John,
Ain’t it the truth? These are truly tough times for some folks but it’s hard to match 25% unemployment giving way to Hitler invading Poland giving way to Hiroshima giving way to poodle skirts. THOSE were challenging times.
Still, I’m just trying to stay under the cosmic radar until things improve. I’m a lucky soul.
Here’s to 2009! But can you believe we may have an extra second of 2008 and THEN end up with no Comedy Central?
What’s up with that?
Nothing seems to be easier than seeing someone whom you can help but not helping.
I suggest we start giving it a try. Give love to the ones that need it.
God will appreciate it.