It is easy to defend fairness when we are
the ones getting the short end of the stick. The harder test comes when
somebody else is being mistreated and speaking up might cost us something. That
is where our principles have to get out of the comfortable chair and go to
work.
We all want our children treated fairly. We
want someone to listen when they are struggling, protect them when they are
vulnerable, and give them a fair chance. Other people want those same things
for their children. Remembering that
would improve quite a few conversations.
You do not have to solve every problem in
the world. Start with the one standing in front of you. Listen before judging.
Refuse to join the pile on. Have enough backbone to say something is wrong,
even when the people doing it are your friends.
Meanwhile, the little countdown at the bottom
of the board says Christmas is ninety-two days away. There will be time for
lights, music, and shopping lists.
Today, there is time to practice the
kindness we celebrate in December.
The calendar keeps
moving. Our responsibility to one another is already here.
Make today count.
