I think it's no secret that when tragedy strikes, or we experience a loss, we usually pause to think about our lives and the good and bad and the value of what we have. Since December 14th, when 28 people died in Newtown, Connecticut, it seems that people have been more aware. More willing to be kind. This, coupled with the false belief about the Mayan calendars predicting the end of the world on December 21st, seemed to throw the whole of the US into a tailspin of worry and a bit of craziness, yet people pushed through to encourage goodness and compassion as the Christmas holiday came and went.
I think that the same kind of thing happens when we experience any kind of loss. We all grieve in different ways, but it seems that there is always a reaction of upping the "kindness factor" in our lives. Or at least taking time to be more aware of what we have or more thankful for what we have. Today I went to a funeral of the patriarch of the family that owns the company that my dad worked for. He was an honest man, a fair businessman, and a compassionate family man and friend. I sat and though about how those qualities are waning in our society. Now, I like a good funeral. Don't get me wrong. But this one was really good. Beautiful. After a funeral I always have a strong desire to call everyone I know and tell them how much I care for them.
So, regardless of what psychological thing makes us have this reaction to loss, I always feel so great when I do take the time to take stock of what I have in my life and really see what is around me. Since the shooting in Connecticut, and all of this other stuff, I've really started to make a conscious effort to be aware, and thankful. I started on this kick of #26Acts of Kindness which was started by Ann Curry after the shootings. It encourages people to do 26 random acts of kindness in memory of the people who were killed at Sandy Hoke school. My mom pointed out that we should do this anyway; without the additional motivation. Maybe she is right, but this is a good way to get people started. I've also spend quite a bit of time just looking around. Laramie is gorgeous in the winter. It's gorgeous most of the year. But the snow and the amazing color of the cool winter sky is phenomenal. I've stopped to take numerous pictures of snow, trees, clouds, sky. It helps that someone I know who now lives in Arizona really misses the snow and likes it when I send him pictures of what he's missing. Seems a bit masochistic, but I'll oblige. I find myself seeking out the best pictures to take. But, I also find myself having to choose from numerous pictures to send to him because I take so many.
In the end, I think that with loss comes gain. When we lose something, we feel the need to cling on to whatever we still have. We feel the need to be kinder, to be more giving, to be more helpful to others. We see things a little different. The sky is bluer. The moon and starts brighter. The beauty of nature is louder. So, while loss is sad yet inevitable, it can bring positive aspects to our life. I hope that we can hold onto those positive things and make them a constant, rather than having to wait for a loss or tragedy to put us in that mindset.
R2 Quote: John 14:27 "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
