Balancing it.

I haven’t written a musing for a little while because everything seems so ‘out of sync’ right now. The aggression of Putin and his forces into Ukraine leaves me thinking how so much seems so trivial, and yet we must get by each day – and find hope and happiness. Watching a war on TV as it happens is really hard to do. I feel so helpless, and incredibly sad for all the innocent people – both Ukrainians and Russians, caught up in Putin’s madness because it is where they live. I pray that somehow this ends quickly, and, yes, I still feel like it’s a must to ‘take out’ Putin. But the US and the NATO countries follow ‘the rules of war” while Putin does not. It is truly heartbreaking.

I try to monitor the amount of TV coverage because as I said above, life still goes on. I saw a meme the other day and I am paraphrasing, but it said that we can still hurt about the war and the killing, but also find joy in our own daily events – it’s okay to do. In fact, we must do it to stay sane. Offering aid to them helps them of course, but it also gives a feeling of ‘doing something’ from far away Even hanging my sunflower wreath on the front door says I support Ukraine and I pray for them daily.

There have been recent online discussions about the effects of the war all around the world. It’s most noticeable here with the high gas prices. The new sanctions and embargoes to cause financial pain to Russia is necessary, but it does not just change their lives. We are all connected in a global world of commerce and transportation. The war has made it obvious.

War also makes other political issues seem kinda frivolous. It shows that the number one hope for everyone – EVERYONE – is peace and security. Physical and emotional well-being. It also shows that we all need to sometimes make sacrifices for the good of all. That concept has gone astray in America, but watching the people of Poland and other countries bordering with Ukraine, shows us that open hearts will then open homes, give food, provide needs for the displaced.

I’m just going to put this out there. I see such a difference in the acceptance of refugees in Eastern Europe vs. the United States. Think about it. How do we treat those running from war lords in Central America? How do we help give them a safe, warm, dry place to feel secure? To feel like a worthy human being? To take care of displaced mothers and children? Pretty big and sad difference I think. We need to ask ourselves: why is that?

I don’t know about you, but I know that as a follower of Jesus I think about how Jesus made a point to help the ones in need who were often shunned, or of a lower status, or were considered unworthy. He set the example. He told us to tend to the sick, help the poor, and the widow, the hungry, the dirty – no questions asked. In time of need, be there. Show love.

We are seeing that – for the Ukrainians.

Balancing life I must finish with…

So, one of my happier moments recently came this past weekend when we celebrated the first birthday of my granddaughter Madelynn. It was wonderful to get together for the occasion, and to watch her experience it, and to see lots of smiles and hear laughs, and to see my daughters’ together with their families. It makes my heart burst with pride and love. Being a parent of grown children and a Mimi to the grandchildren is the best thing about getting older. It really is.