December 14-A, 2022

How different can we be?

If self-help books could do it,
they would have done it by now.

If we were capable of the kind of change
it would take 
to make the world 
even a little more like it ought to be
than it is,
we would have done it by now.

For all the talk about religion
and enlightenment,
there is no evidence
that any of it 
has brought transformation
and revolution 
to the human condition.

The world isn't remarkably better
because of Joel Osteen 
and mega churches.

We can't figure out helpful responses
to homelessness and hunger
in our country,
much less throughout the world.

I think we had better settle for
a good night's sleep
and enjoyable companionship
through the days that are ours
upon the earth.

Changing the world isn't in the cards.

–0–

Published by jimwdollar

I'm retired, and still finding my way--but now, I don't have to pretend that I know what I'm doing. I retired after 40.5 years as a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, serving churches in Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. I graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Austin, Texas, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. My wife, Judy, and I have three daughters and five granddaughters within about twenty minutes from where we live--and are enjoying our retirement as much as we have ever enjoyed anything. View more posts

3 thoughts on “December 14-A, 2022”

I just do each thing that’s mine to do and sometimes I do good in the world, at least that’s my intention. Sometimes I even feel satisfaction. That’s new to me. Plus miracles and synchronicities seem to happen.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Living like that in each situation as it arises is exactly what is asked of each of us–what is ours to do. It is grace experiencing grace on all levels. Miracles and synchronicities are evidence of being on the beam and at the heart of life as it is to be lived! And it is “nothing special,” and it is everything, at the same time!

LikeLike