I don't know what triggers it.
But suddenly, it's just so darn hard to get anything done. Should I do this? or that? Should I buy "transitional" produce? Or certified organic? Did it come from a small farm? Should I walk to the store? Drive my cool car? If I wait a bit, will these shoes go on sale? Were they made by slave labor? If I say yes to working with this client, will I have to say no to some other client? Who shall I say no to? Are there any electricity capacity warnings? If I wash clothes tonight, will tomorrow be clear and windy so I can dry clothes on the line? Do I have the time to do that? Should I just dry them in the dryer? Did any rain forest species go extinct so I could buy coffee today? Where did all the crickets go?
Why hasn't so-and-so called me back about the sustainability project? How much energy really goes in to making a gallon of ice cream? Should I stop eating chocolate now, or wait until the seed fungus finally destroys all the cocao trees? Can I fight against the developer-driven multiplex? Can I find time to love my children? Will my wife ever stop working so frenetically that we can spend some quality time together, possibly even daily? Will global warming raise the ocean enough that we have to build a dam and pumping station across the Golden Gate to keep salt water from flooding the Sacramento Delta?
Where will I find the strength to carry on?
When I finally get to that question, a quiet Voice will speak in my heart: "I have strength enough."
Peace begins to flow. "Yeah, but..." I usually protest--
"Listen: there is no 'but.' Just live. Live joyfully. Do the next thing, and just the next thing. I will always be here to show you what that next thing is, and I will always be your strength so you may accomplish it. Continue to be alert to my calling. It is all going just fine."
Thanks, God. I accept the gifts of your love and action in my life.
Amen.
i like ur blog
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pseudo-loon, I am very pleased you are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome!
As an environmentalist and conservationist, I know the struggle you are talking about. Sometimes, it is so tempting to say, nothing I ever do will make a difference because everything is already failing. The earth is dying and I can't stop it. But then, something will really get me going and I am back on the war path. It feels better to fight for a cause than to roll over and surrender. And the right thing is not always the easiest. You're sustainability project is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHi Chelle!
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped in. Thank you for the words of encouragement.
And, yeah... often it does feel like there's no point, that it's too late (and there are those who will tell you as much!) But since I don't know what the future holds, can I know without doubt that it is too late?
Since I don't know, I'll keep doing the right thing. Just in case it turns out that by walking the right path I help us all get to the right future.
For me, right now, the thing that gets me going is knowing that I am loved and appreciated.