“One of the sanest, surest and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others.”
– Robert Heinlein, American Science Fiction Writer (1907-1988)
Another is realizing how good our fortunes are when others are so clearly devastated.
What happened throughout Monday afternoon in Oklahoma is, thankfully for most of us, unimaginable. Thankfully. As unimaginable for us as it is horrific for those affected. Never again, we pray, on their behalf.
Yet, for the people in Moore, OK, it’s only been 14 years since the rest of the world was counting its blessings while this town was licking its wounds from a similar storm on a nearly identical path. Unimaginable. Thankfully. Our good fortune may never be clearer than when someone else’s tragedy casts our reality in the brightest possible light of perspective.
It’s trite, at times like these, to say, “We should all hug our kids,” or to feel more compelled than usual to tell loved ones that we love them. It’s less trite if we somehow can remember it every day.
In the meantime, difference makers might feel helpless, separated by miles and circumstances from taking direct action “on the scene.” Still, all of us can make a difference by supporting those on the ground. And by praying that the numbers of fatalities and injuries don’t rise, and that those hurt and suffering know Peace in their time of trial.
Manish Pandey says
Good piece, indeed, Steve! All the more reason for us to be thankful every moment of our lives, and not wait for these unfortunate reminders, like the tornado that hit Moore.