I hope you took time to vote. I hope you’re not one of those folks who say one person can’t make a difference. Whether or not you’re happy with the results, you at least have earned the right to complain or cheer. In my mind, folks who live in a country where they are allowed to vote, and don’t do it, aren’t earning their freedom. My parents belonged to opposing political parties and used to joke that they cancelled out one another’s votes, but in truth, they both voted for the issue or the person, rather than along party lines.
I hope you took time to thank a veteran last week. That person stood between you and those who would restrict your right to vote. He or she earned your freedom too.
It only takes one person to set an example, whether for good or bad. Others will follow either way. So, who is following you, and which way are you all headed?
If someone has blazed a path to help you achieve a goal, I hope you thank that person too. I wish I could thank Ruth Pearman, my third grade teacher, who taught me to love words, and is probably a good part of the reason you are reading this today.
Have you thanked the city and county officials who work to keep your community on track? The volunteers who put together community events, the fire and rescue volunteers? The average person hasn’t a clue of the work and time those folks devote to the office unless they have served in some capacity themselves. I was one of those people who sometimes said, “If I was on the school board, I’d change a lot of things.” Then I served on a school board, and learned of the legal parameters and limitations involved in public office.
I know a couple of people who made a quiet difference this month. One of my friends arranged to have her church open the night before election and invited anyone who would like to pray for our country to dedicate prayers for unity. No questions about party affiliation. Just the knowledge that we are a country deeply divided, and need Divine guidance to find our way back to being the United States.
The annual high school scholastic contests were held in Chadron last week. Busloads of students and their drivers (thank that driver too, while you’re at it) skated to and from the event on icy roads. Two of my grandkids who attend Mullen High School were among them. They drive thirty more miles to their ranch home, after returning to Mullen. The Hooker County Sheriff called to see if they had arrived safely, and told their dad that he was contacting every parent who had a kid on that bus to make sure all were okay. Knowing Wynn, I’m sure if there had been one lost sheep still out there in the cold, he’d have been on the hunt for them, along with the parents.
Yes, I know you are only one person. So am I, but one person can make a huge difference. Let’s go out and do that.