This should not be political.

We are halfway through August already! Slow down summer!! Yes, I know it’s hot, hot, hot and I too want some cooler temperatures, but I am not ready to think about Fall, and then Christmas! What?!?! I heard some big chain stores are already putting out Christmas trees for sale. Seriously, why are we always in such a rush?

The world moves so fast. We need to make the effort to hit pause, and to enjoy the moment.

Speaking of the world: Global warming is real. This has been the hottest summer on record and it’s not just by accident. The warmer temps are melting more of the ice at the poles, which then raises the ocean levels, and causes other climate disturbances and problems. Warmer ocean water will create more hurricanes. One is about to hit Mexico and Southern California. Warmer temps dry out grasses and trees that make it easier to start wildfires. The tragedy in Maui happened due to this very problem. Dry foliage and hurricane winds. This should NOT be a political discussion. It’s real.

So many times we see horrible events on TV and think it won’t happen here. We live ‘small minded’ and can’t see the big picture. Or, we try to shut the door and keep the bad from coming here and effecting us. Wake up. It’s a global community. We need to care about what happens far away because if we don’t it will come here. Another perfect example of this recently: the Co-Vid epidemic. We are all on this earth together, and we are all ‘in it’ together. Once we are aware of it, and accepting of it, then we see ALL people as ‘us’ and we change our mindset.

Christians know that God created us, and that we humans are meant to tend the world, to be the care-givers to the land and the animals. I think where we are now in history with all the transportation and communication advances, it is very evident that we MUST care for and tend ALL – around the world. Once again, it’s not political.

It’s not financial either. It’s bigger than that. Oh yes, money is important – I know that.. It’s how we ‘trade’ and it’s how we get things (note: things) and here’s a reminder, we can’t take it with us. So, our mindset has to change in how we use the money that we have. Again, we need a change from a small (me) viewpoint to a bigger picture. We need to daily think less of self, and more of self-less. We need to see it, say it, and live it.

You want your children and grandkids and future generations to live well? To be caring people? To continue this wonderful journey? It’s not a political decision.

But, yet, everything seems to be political now, doesn’t it? It sure is made to seem that way. On purpose. It is important to know that. There are ‘powers to be’ using politics to divide us, to deny facts, to keep us ‘small minded.’ People use their time and ego to keep others confused and to believe conspiracy theories.

I believe that is why we hear so much rhetoric about building walls, and about racial stereotypes, and using chosen words of fear to arm yourself, to be afraid of people not like us, and to think the bad outweighs the good. It IS political!!

Sometimes I just want to say ‘pause’ and think. Don’t get caught up in it all. I am a Christian and I rely on my faith, and I rely on the words and teaching of Jesus, to help me find the direction I should go. I continue to think ‘what would Jesus do” even in these modern day issues. I am a child of God, a human made by God, living in this world That belief helps me make decisions – every day. Without it I can’t help but think I would struggle even more with selfish desires.

Sometimes I start writing my musings, like today, not always sure where I am going – and really, I’m not meaning to be so serious and heavy all the time. But, over time I have realized that this is my place to put down my thoughts, because it’s hard to talk to people and to let them listen. I’m just as bad at listening. I realize it. The written word is not ‘in one ear and out the other.’ So I find some satisfaction in writing, and expressing myself here. I do not fear what I write. And, in writing, I work thoughts in my mind out. Am I crazy?!?! Ha I will leave that up to you.

Today’s meme is about getting back to seeing the world without political angles. I need to remind myself to do that all the time. Somethings in life are not meant to be – even though people try to make it so. Care for our earth should not be political. Care for all of earth’s people should not be political. Reaching out and using all we can to help others should not be political.

What other things in our world that should not be political?

Basic freedom of our bodies.

Religion.

Doing anything and everything possible for ALL children.

Personal sexual identity.

Stop. PAUSE. Think. Why do some people want to politicize these? Where is any goodness in trying to control people by laws about these things? There is none.

In life some issues should NOT be political.