Last week I was told by a number of people to “get out into nature” so as I set off into the countryside this week to enjoy the signs of Spring, I was enjoying the signs of new life all around me. …until 2 dogs attacked me! Later in the walk I heard what I thought was the sound of a fox but which turned out to be that of a distressed baby muntjac deer, the famous ‘barking’ breed. A few minutes later I saw another man so I told him that there was a worried animal and asked if we should call the RSPCA, when he revealed that he was trying to find his dog who had attacked the deer’s mother….
Such events happen all the time. Despite immense beauty on this planet there’s also ugliness. The contrast between good and bad, light and darkness, keeps this planet spinning. You only have to watch a nature documentary to see how vicious and cruel life can be. This week the drums of war have been banging loudly and although many people shout “No more” the powers that be continue to ignore humanity’s cries and launch further weapons costing millions and snuffing out life. In contrast I heard from my ex acupuncturist who now travels through Africa and India helping those who have no hope. She’s set up an alternative travelling clinic treating tropical disease, typhoid and malaria; alongside HIV. She’s also working in a rehabilitation centre that treats heroin addicting using just alternative medicine – with amazing results. She also sails with ‘Safari Doctors’ to remote islands to deliver healthcare and medication; creating wheelchairs with extra suspension so they can be used on all terrains, called ‘Safari Chairs’.
The dichotomy between good and bad, positive and negative is highlighted too in this coming week in the Christian calendar. Today Christ was welcomed into Jerusalem as a hero. Within a short week he would have been condemned to death and killed by his peers. Those he walked amongst. Those he knew and healed.
As we head into the next few days we’ll again encounter events that are poles apart. Things can change extremely quickly. Look how fast a hot, sunny summer’s day can become dark and wet as an almighty thunder storm visits. So as we see signs of war, new life emerging next to death and destruction, hopefully we can do our little bit to change things in whatever way we can. Like the acupuncturist we can follow her heart that has – since the age of 12 – told her to follow humanitarian work.
Every day we face choices when events alarm or delight us. It’s our reaction to the things we encounter that define us and create the kind of world we live in. We can respond like the warmonger or the healer. The question is, which thought do you want to think… and ultimately which path do you want to tread?
Let’s chill out together and decide…..
Background image created by Jannoon028 – Freepik.com
Lovely words and MMM. Thanks Mike.