This morning I received an email listing the salaries of CEO's of some well known charitable organizations. Whether it is factual I cannot say, but it certainly saddens my spirit. What is it in us that seeks to take advantage, or as one of my professors used to say, "Get the one up position."?
Despite everything there remains something in us that leans into the 'good,' even if, as the post-modern might say, we cannot absolutely define 'good.' Maybe the intellect cannot, but the heart recognizes it when it sees it. Isn't that why more and more television commercials are directed toward people's hearts? Business would not spend resources and talent, a la money, to paint themselves as family oriented, caring entities if there was not a resonating audience watching. We do watch, and despite knowing better, we want to believe. The teller at the bank seems to care about you and she might, but she is not the bank, insurance company, stock brokerage firm, etc.
Despite the manipulations to plunder people with dishonest scales, practices, products and services, especially in the upcoming Christmas season, there is still hope. As always, on the individual level, we can choose to follow the herds or we can make a difference where we are.
If we only impact one person with THE spirit of kindness and thoughtfulness it is enough, unless we are motivated by a need for self-esteem, attention, or something else that erases THE spirit of the act.
Are you planning to join the herds at 4am on the day after Thanksgiving? Can you appreciate the irony? It is on the day after Thankgiving!
Have you heard of Advent? Do you know what it is? Don't think Catholic; don't think ritual, think spirit. Do you know what the spirit of Advent is? If not, why not Google it and see.
After that, have you heard of Advent Conspiracy ? Why not check it out too? It is growing. Big business is right. There is still something inside us that knows good when it sees it. Unfortunately we do tend to corrupt things, but right now Advent Conspiracy is alive and growing. Why not consider it.
Comments
What a wonderfully timely message. I'm currently in LA on a business trip, & its easy to get caught up in the glammer & lights of hollywood. But as I (we) slow down..and really look at the people on the streets, supermarkets, & sitting on the bus next to us..we can see that we're all just alike..wanting an opportunity to see the 'good' in one another..if we only will them (us) a chance.. thanks for the timely message..which can always be 'in season'.
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