How can I feel gratitude for what I have when so many have lost everything? Isn’t it tone deaf to celebrate all that I feel gratitude for at times like this?
Certainly not. Having empathy for the misfortunes of others should prompt us into action of some sort, but I can’t shut down out of a misplaced solidarity with tragedy. I acknowledge the sadness of my fellow humans, and I promise to enjoy life in spite of it. I vow to be as aware and available as possible while living as fully as I can.
People who have any sense of empathy for the misfortunes of others must still navigate their own lives. I can spend time in intercessory prayer, I can hold space for healing, I can make contributions towards rebuilding and rehoming. The onus for taking action is on me. I can’t do so if all I’m feeling is the overwhelm which isn’t necessarily mine to feel.
Today I’m grateful to still have shelter, even while so many just lost all they had. Maybe even more so because I can see that tragedies strike indiscriminately. I’m grateful to have food to eat, air conditioning to cool off to, a working vehicle to take me wherever I need to go.
I’m grateful for this one beautiful day, with all its sorrows and challenges, for those who are near enough to tangibly help others, and for the human ability to take appropriate action.
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