I Wonder Why?
The recent hurricanes, fires, and mass shooting in Las Vegas deeply saddened us all. We are deeply saddened at the immense,pain, suffering and death of so many.
We were also heartened as we witnessed an outpouring of true love for a fellow human being. The response during and after, showed us once again, the true human spirit.
So, so many, came forward to help in any way possible. There was the courage and heroism of the first responders and medical personnel, who put their own needs aside and their lives at risk to save. There were/are so many people locally and from elsewhere who stopped their lives to volunteer to help. We’ve heard amazing and inspiring stories, seen stunning pictures, and videos of people helping people.
All those who lent a hand, did not care what the person in needs race, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or immigration status…… was. They knew that those in danger and suffering were all children of G-d and that’s all that mattered!
So, I wonder why does it take natural disasters and tragedies to bring out our best? Why, oh why, is our best not expressed enough, or more, everyday, and all the time??*
We all have it in us to serve and treat others with kindness and compassion, all the time. Elevating others literally and figuratively, is one of the key elements in elevating ourselves on our climb.
Heart and Soul
*This question doesn’t apply to all the first responders and medical personnel who have dedicated their lives to helping all, all of the time, often at great risk to themselves
The Spinning Rabbi - Heart & Soul 
Thank you for raising this question, Fred.
As someone who spent 30 years as a first responder, I appreciate your footnote i.e. “This question doesn’t apply to all the first responders and medical personnel.” There’s kindness in your observation.
But within the ranks of first responders–and I worked with Fire as well as police, there are often a lot of folks who suffer with interpersonal-giving away from the job. I think some of that is caused by “burnout,” but I believe after we take off our superhero capes and go home, we’re simply the same as everyone else–with all of the same issues and fears.
I was lucky to have been given a role to step into to help. As you point out in your teaching, so many people stepped up during these tragedies. My guess is that we all want to help lessen suffering, but many of us aren’t sure where to begin until we’re faced with something catastrophic–and then some natural response kicks in.
For me, doing “small things” to help, is a way of not just making life a little nicer, but as a practice that will help make me ready for the big stuff. When I first met my wife, I noticed that she always took time–even when her schedule was tight, to talk and brighten the interactions with the clerks at the market.
When I began doing that, I realized that I was doing in the grocery line, what I was being paid to do as a cop i.e. trying to make things better. It seemed to help those people in those drudgery jobs–and I certainly felt better. May we all have success with our attempts.
Thank you for reminding me to keep doing the small things–and staying available to do the big things. Sorry for the “War and Peace,” but your stuff gets me thinking.
Best, Jocko
I wish I could have said it better myself.
“small things” are actually big things to someone in pain, whether you know they’re in pain or not. Sometimes it just takes a smile or making the other smile.
There are many examples/reminders on this site of daily “small things”
Thanks Jocko