Message to the Future: What’s Really Important?

From Joe Elliott

To whoever may be reading this…

This was written many years ago, and in those intervening years much has changed in the world: an abundance of springs and summers have come and gone, storms and floods have raged across the landscape, wars and the rumor of wars have filled the news, even some stars have silently winked out and vanished, only to be replaced by new ones. In other words, the world has gone on as before. However, amidst all these changes a few things have retained their importance, their value.

The need for greater racial and social justice still exists. Each new generation has to face these challenges in its own way. My own generation, for instance, met some of them, even as we failed in others. One thing above all else, however, remains constant in human affairs, and that’s the need for good people who see the value in everyone and do their best to promote and preserve it. This includes our children, the destitute, the physically and emotionally challenged, the elderly.

If you truly have a desire to see a better world, start by helping those closest to you, including those within your own community. By helping them, you will in turn be serving the cause of justice everywhere. This is a lesson we were taught long ago by such great souls as Jesus, the Buddha, Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

The only question is how best to apply it in your own life. You can start by not underestimating the effect of even small acts of kindness. Multiplied many times over, such acts can assert a peculiar power and influence all their own. Read the great holy writings of every faith and find ways to practice and use them every day.

Frequently take a walk in nature or some green space. Look for the humor in things. Be patient with your children, your spouse, yourself. If you do these things, you will begin to see improvements in the world at large, both in others and yourself. It may take time, but it will happen. I guarantee it. As the poet Rumi said, “there are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth.”

Lastly, seize the moment now. Embrace beauty wherever you find it. Become the change you wish to see in the world. Love and love some more. The gift is yours for the asking. Don’t miss the show.