“In each generation, we are tested. Will we love our neighbors as ourselves, or will we measure our responsibilities to one another in accordance with whomever we deem to be in or out of our social circles? …There’s a way in which we can come together as groups, as collectives, as individuals, and seek the highest good of all of us by using our gifts creatively. There really are alternatives. It’s not one thing or another. We don’t have to have large systems determining the outcome of our lives.” –Dr. Barbara Holmes
1:15 pm , Main Street, snowing hard. 24 degrees. It’s dark, but we gain two minutes of daylight today.
This morning on the radio, during the Safety Talk, Al noted that we had 443 ambulance calls last year. A record. The ambulance crew are volunteers. Al did not complain. Instead he segued right into a little story about being really busy, late for a potluck supper, and needing to pick up one item at the store, and running in only to find yourself behind someone with a full cart. We all have choices, Al said.
I assumed this was leading up to a fall and an ambulance ride. There was about to be an accident because the person did not slow down and show a little patience. Instead, Al said wouldn’t it be great if the person with the full cart said, go ahead I’m in no hurry. I have time? He asked if in 2024 we could be extra nice to each other.
In yoga, in the studio above the back of the liquor store, my daughter welcomes people coming in late (like me today) and tells the nurses at the clinic and the town paid fireman, Jenn, that it’s fine to leave a bit early to get back to work. She welcomes moms with babies, too. Sarah made me laugh when we were on our backs breathing between poses, and she said to feel the vibrations from the beer coolers below us.
I always feel good vibes in (and after) yoga. I’m happy it’s snowing too. That feels right.– And for Robert from Howsers IGA who carried the groceries to the car in the snow without a coat on, and said it was his pleasure. When I got home, Norm was on the radio volunteering on the country show and talking about banana beer in Uganda. He said it is 13% alcohol. (Now you have an answer in case they ask this next time you are at Trivia Night at the Pioneer Bar.)
