August 7, 2008 9:30 AM
What in the world is going on?
We tend to get caught up in the small things - which is good because the small things need attention. For instance, we need to figure out which diapers and cereal and books are the best for our children. We need to figure out how to handle behavior issues and make intelligent entertainment choices.
But we also need to keep an eye on the Big Picture - what kind of men and women are we looking forward to seeing in 10 or 20 years when they have flown the sweet nest we tried to fashion.
Actually, that vision often helps us make the decisions we need to make about the little things.
You all know that I feel strongly that moms also have a responsibility to keep abreast of what's going on in the world. The world is changing so rapidly that if you want your children to grow up to be purposeful and effective adults - resisting a consumer-driven culture - then you must understand and counteract the forces working against the things you are trying to build in your children.
I'm not sure if he coined this, but Michael Reagan (son of our former president) put it this way:
There are three kinds of people -*Those who make things happen
*Those who watch things happen
*Those who wonder say "What happened?"
Now let's take it up to a larger level - above the immediate political level of the impending 2008 election offering us the no-win choice of two senators - I say no-win because senators are simply not good presidential material as their background is spending rather than governing. Let's take it up - like the feeling when your plane reaches cruising elevation - to get some global perspective.
For those interested in the Way Big Picture, you will want to read what Martha sent me this morning. It is very long, so I will just give you the beginning and the end here - then click below to read the entire piece. A worthy investment of ten minutes - and be sure to share it with your husband and friends:
What In The World Is Going On? A Global Intelligence Briefing For CEOs by Herbert MeyerCurrently, there are four major transformations that are shaping political, economic and world events. These transformations have profound implications for American business owners, our culture and our way of life.
Four Major Transformations
1. The War in Iraq
2. The Emergence of China
3. Shifting Demographics of Western Civilization
4. Restructuring of American Business
The first half of the article is a thorough discussion of each of these transformations. The second half is a discussion of the implications of these transformations for us as Americans.
This is not a doom and gloom article, actually - but one which encourages us to shift paradigms and understand the challenges we face and the positive impact we can have in meeting them as long as we are self-aware and confident in our values:
Ultimately, it's an issue of culture. The only people who can hurt us are ourselves, by losing our culture. If we give up our Judeo-Christian culture, we become just like the Europeans. The culture war is the whole ballgame. If we lose it, there isn't another America to pull us out.
Are you intrigued? Then grab a cup of coffee or tea and read the entire article: What in the World Is Going On?
Posted in Culture, Current Affairs | Permalink
