My daily commute inserts me among a throng of automobiles between 6:00 am and 7:00 am Eastern Standard Time. As I often proselytize to everyone within earshot, my XM satellite radio provides literally hours of enjoyment while I make the trek to and from work. This past Friday morning our region of the country was emerging from a rough patch of storms that resulted in one the clearest, blue-sky mornings in quite a long while. The birds were chirping, the tulips were in full bloom, the dogwood trees were bedecked with their vibrant pink and white trappings -- an all around beautiful Spring morning in April.
As I powered up my audio system, I was presented with my morning dilemma -- do I listen to music or talk radio? I have scores of music channels from which to choose and I may discover a new favorite. On the other hand, what did I miss since I was in the car a short twelve hours ago? As a college professor I'm asked a lot of questions as a regular part of my duties. What if I am not up on the latest current events?
But in 2011, learning about the current events is a minor component when compared to the onslaught of opinion and commentary that effuses from my speakers. No matter if it is the Left responding to the Right or the Right responding to the Left, my day will start off hearing about the poor, the under-privileged, the under-represented, the failed programs, the failed institutions, the failing systems. In short, this beautiful God-given morning will be spent obsessing about failure.
To my delight, I was instead greeted by the audio of Catherine Elizabeth Middleton processing up the isle of Westminster Abbey to be wed to Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Duke of Cambridge. Earlier, commentators were marveling at the clockwork precision of the entire affair as if glancing at a wristwatch or cell phone screen and making it to an appointment on time is major news. The Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster was filled to the brink with relatives, friends and dignitaries sporting their very best who participated a life-celebrating ceremony complete with ancient traditions, wise words, celebratory music and something that I don't often hear from my radio - Existentialism. An honest admission that there is something greater than ourselves. And a something Greater that does not force us to be Lesser. A something Smarter that does not require us to be Dumber. A something Knowledgeable that does not require us to be Ignorant.A Winner that does not require us to be Losers.
For that brief hour commute there were no Victims. There was only a world-wide audience of observers that celebrated life. Choose. Choose to be a victim and forever permit others to control your destiny. Choose to be responsible for your own condition and permit yourself the enjoyment of Freedom.
I have been positively influenced by many of your proselytisms
ReplyDeleteIt goes both ways, my friend. Thanks for all of your wise words as well! =]
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