I use driving and traffic as an example because, to me, it reflects the newest trend of how people care for one another. Every day I watch people continue to turn on a red light while people who actually have a green light, sit and wait, and often not even be able to "legally" make their turn. I see people run red lights and stop signs as if they did not exist. It seems if we as a people see one knucklehead run a stop sign, then we all start doing it. Why doesn't doing the right thing outweigh doing the wrong thing? Why does doing wrong seem to be justified by our continued use of our childhood reasoning, that "everyone else is doing it?"
Why don't we find it easier to fall in behind those who lead us in the right thing than in the wrong thing? Why don't we find it easier to be kind to people in public rather than unkind. It seemed to me that when some, who bathe in the glory of their great success, treat people like waitresses poorly, others take on that attitude so they appear to be living the same level of to-do-ness. Why don't we all become outraged at bad behavior toward others and yell out for them to stop it?
Can we change the world? Yes, I still believe we can. When I began this website I stated that was our mission right on the home page. It is still there, I have not budged. If we can make that change, how do we do it?
I am reading a great boook titled, "Resolved, 13 Resolutions for Life." I think the very beginning of that book can help us get off to a wonderful start. I quote Orrin Woodward's definition for resolution as follows; "Resolutions are written resolves that are studied daily to help guide a person's behavior while he is forming his fundamental character." Dictionary.com has several definitions of the term resolve, some of which are relevant when discussing life resolutions. I will use only #1 for our purpose.
1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I will live to the full.
Our first step may be to resolve that we WILL change the world and it WILL begin with us. We then need to resolve to be different than the rest of the world and resolve to be kind and loving day after day - even when life dumps on us. Make the resolution, decide to be different and practice it all the time. Grade ourselves on it daily.
How does our making a resolution for ourselves change the world around us? Mr. Woodward writes, "It's only with a mind that understands, a heart that generates passion, and a disciplined will to follow through, that change inside a person is
generated." If you don't WANT to change, you most likely won't. Mr. Woodward says "A man convicted against his will is of the same opinion still."
We must want to set a new standard. We must want to be different. We must want to not be like other rude and insensitive people. We must want to live to a higher standard. We must develop a will to be more than we have ever been, to love more, to be kinder and more caring.
Mr. Woodward directs us that when we set our will to be more, then we start to see the entire world differently. When God led me to start the Grounds for Love site, I started to see those around me as all one people, all His people. It became easier and easier to practice acts of kindness, to love, to encourage and so on. I found that any desire I had to lash out at those around me had pretty much vanished. The world had been given a face lift in my eyes, by my new attitude. He also points out that by changing ourselves and impacting others with the new us, we really have changed the world. If you grow into this new person, is the world the same? No. If this new you changes your neighbor, is the world the same? No. No matter how little our impact may be, the world will have been changed by you. If all of us make a little impact, then together we will make a huge impact!
I again quote Mr. Woodward, "Moreover, when a person changes himself, he begins a process that ultimately transforms the world around him." When we set out to change things around us we need to be careful that we do not take on the attitude that everyone else is messed up and we are okay. For transformation to take place, we must also be changed for we need help too. Several years ago, there was a book written that had the title, "I'm okay, you're okay." I used to kid around that I wrote a book called, "I'm okay, you're not so hot." While I was being funny and playing off the other book, the reality is that my book title may aptly define our culture. We look in the mirror and like what we see while we criticize and judge those around us. Are we not nicer, better looking, in better shape, drive a better car, live in a bigger house, sing better, pray better, teach better than the other guy?
Changing the world begins with taking a good and HONEST look in the mirror and RESOLVING to be different in a good way.
Let me end with a story in "Resolved":
"On a bishop's tomb in Westminster Abbey is written:
"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world."
Resolve to change yourself. Be an example and thereby change those closest to you. Perhaps with those changes the towns and country we live in will become better places. And yes, who knows, maybe then you will have changed the world.
Think of yourself as Jim Smith- World Changer, as Cindy Thomas - World Changer, and so on. You can do it. I can do it. We can do it.