We have a local talk radio show that I listen to most every morning. When I first discovered it, not long after we moved here, it was J. R. and Brian. Then J. R. left and Leland replaced him. It was Brian and Leland. I had really liked J. R. and Brian and for a few weeks, I struggled with Brian and Leland. It didn’t take long before I really liked Leland. I like what he stands for. I like how he stands up for what he believes. I like how he is able to debate those with opposing view without losing his cool. Almost exactly a year ago, Brian, who was only 42, passed away unexpectedly and now it’s Brian and Larry.
Leland is a conservative, Christian. In fact, he’s a pastor of a local church, though he doesn’t preach during the local talk show. My guess is that everyone who listens to the show knows where he stands and respects him, whether they agree with him or not. I understand that not everything he says will appeal to all of my readers but he made this blog post today.
Blood, Sweat and Tears: The forgotten formula for long-term peace and prosperity in America
It’s a very interesting and thought provoking post. Or, it was for me.
It reminded me that when we moved here, I wanted to plant a few pecan trees. They actually grow quite well here. Vince said no . . they take 15 years to produce. Or, was it 25 years? I can’t remember but I do remember thinking . . well, 15 years from now, someone will thank us.
When Chad was in high school, it didn’t matter what we asked him to do, his response was “What’s in it for me?” It seems that too many of us have that attitude . . what’s in it for me?
Just thinking back as far as I can remember, I think of how many people have given selflessly and their giving created a better life and a better world for me.
It seems as a whole, not everyone but a large number, society has evolved to a place where we only do things if there’s an immediate benefit for us and we don’t have a lot of interest in investing (time, talent, resources, etc.) in the long range future.
Leland makes some very good points and I think it’s worth reading.
Cilla Tyler says
An older (80’s) lady in my club surprised me. When I asked why we sent a card to 1 person and not the other she stated “Well, what has she ever done for us”? I said if we all thought like that then no one would do anything for anyone. At her age it took me aback. I thought that age reached out to people. That is what I was taught to do.
MARSHA says
Good blog, good points
Bon says
So true, Judy. I once asked a man who told me he was bored with retirement, why didn’t he volunteer somewhere. His answer was, “They don’t pay anything.”
thequiltingprofessor says
Judy, I am hopeful that at some point we will turn around and go in a new direction. My husband and I just bought a new car, and we watched a very young couple buying the same luxury vehicle we have waited all our lives to afford. They were openly discussing their financial problems and I wanted to grab them and say ‘go buy a cheap, used car, and get out of debt…….. but of course, I did not, and they did not…… Good blog today, hun.
Tina in NJ says
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” You see this quote a lot around Earth Day in April.
Mary Jo says
Great post! We all need to learn from it. Even in little ways we can all “plant a tree” to make the lives of our children and grandchildren better.
Joyce says
My great-grandfather once told my father not to do anything for anyone unless they paid him for it. My grandmother nixed that idea immediately! My grandparents’ opinion was that you plant trees for the future. While they were talking about actual trees, it is an excellent way to live your life.
Jean T. says
So what are each of you going to do to help make it better for others? I wish I had more time and energy to do all the sewing I want to do to help others, including children in Haiti. I send bright colored quilt without batting with those on our teams from our church who go there on mission trip. So far 79 quilts in Haiti. Crib size and baby size. and they love them. We can talk all we want, but it is action that other people see. Our guild gives quilts to each member of the family that move into a new Habitat House in our area. A lot of quilts.
Nancy says
Jean, I have also been doing quilts for different regions hit by Hurricanes. And I send little kennel quilts to the different animal shelters that have been taking in the dogs and cats for the impacted areas. I have the stash and I need to use it. I may not plant actual trees but I hope that I am helping in some small way.
Susan says
Latter days, Judy. =P I know you do a lot for others, and so do many quilters. It’s the doing that is the purpose for being here, and I’m glad to know so many who DO.
marcille irwin says
Agreed, 100%!
LisaS says
That was a great read!