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Sheriff Jim Ruth's weekly column "…. where seldom is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day." That old cowboy song was one of the favorites that were sung around youth camp fires and other gatherings over the years. That refrain brings me to the present day challenges and problems that confront us at the beginning of this new -year. Looking at the big picture we can be overwhelmed with hopelessness as we see the big elephant blocking our path to future dreams, goals, happiness and financial stability. --- We are told how we can eat this big elephant a bite at a time. It is sort of like a general going to war; you begin by breaking the big picture down to pieces that are small enough to handle. The general will deploy his planes and helicopters to destroy an enemies’ air force and to knock out their big guns. He will deploy his special forces to direct this campaign, to gather intelligence, or to sabotage the enemies’ equipment and other assets. The armored vehicles, tanks, support vehicles and infantry will be sent to take out the enemy troops and occupy newly captured territory. --- It is one step at a time; everyday working on the problem that is in front on you. When you solve that problem you move on to the next one. Perhaps, you may have to let one problem simmer a little longer and come back to it later, when the timing is appropriate. Having financial problems? Where someone spends money today most likely determines financial viability in the near and distant future. Impulse buying on credit, foolishly spending your money without a budget will lead to worry and regret. Failure to do your best as an employee will adversely affect your advancement in position and income. Tardiness, lack of production, and lack of enthusiasm becomes a drag on everyone around. Most of us realize that practically every family has a member or members who are a needless burden to the rest of the family. They drink too much; they use illegal drugs; they won’t keep a steady job and some abuse their spouse or children. Some are even abusive toward their aging parents. --- This person is always taking, never giving. Everyone can be a giver and share something with others, whether they live on King’s Row or in a government housing project. --- A kind word is always in order. A word of encouragement always lifts a burdened soul. Handling a bag of groceries for an elderly person, or simply opening a door for someone are simple acts of kindness that have a profound affect on people. These thoughtful acts are very contagious. --- I suppose these little acts, of what used to be common courtesy, are not so common nowadays. The world can be a very cold place when we care only about ourselves. How far have we drifted from being our brother’s keeper? Far enough I think that character training has to be a part of the school curriculum, because it is no longer taught or modeled in many homes. --- The boundaries of proper conduct, good manners and good character have been blurred. A lot of criticism is leveled at Washington for its lack of civility and good manners in politics and government. Maybe we can have little immediate influence on what happens in Washington D.C., but our influence of using good manners and common courtesy can be displayed in our corner of the world. Beginning at home, spreading down the street in our neighborhoods, seeping into the market place and spreading like wildfire your kind words will lighten the path you travel. You don’t have to be a glad hander or a back slapper or even Mr. Personality. Just a genuine smile or a timely word spoken will do. That would be a good new-year’s goal. Be kinder, and more thoughtful. --- I think I will try that myself. Thanks for listening…. |
