Pat Bean's blog

The earth a beautiful place. It deserves its inhabitants to be at peace with one another — and I have hope that one day it will. — Photo by Pat Bean

“I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.” – Edna St. Vincent Millay

When Life is Not Pretty

I just read the above quote, and it reminded me of a conversation I had with a son, who was telling me I was too idealistic, and then began pointing out the realities of today’s world. He’s a good, honest, hard-working man, and I couldn’t disagree with him, especially when the conversation involved politics.

But Edna St. Vincent Milay’s thoughts are also my own, especially since I do know, from experience, that the world has more good people in it than bad people. And I am not resigned to the status quo. Although it may not happen in my lifetime, I still have hope that one day the people on this planet will all live in peace, accepting and respecting the different cultures and beliefs of all others.

A peaceful moment by Reidsville Lake in North Carolina. — Photo by Pat Bean

Meanwhile, I ask myself what I can do to push the world toward this goal. The question makes me feel helpless. I’m not sure there is anything I can do — beyond setting an example of being kind and accepting of people. .

Well, except for bigots. I won’t be accepting and kind to bigots. I’m bigoted against bigots. Perhaps being brave enough to tell them off when they speak out against those whom they imagine as their enemy is something I can do.

I think I’ll try harder to always speak up, instead of just occasionally as I currently do.

What can you do? I can’t make the world into a better place alone.

Blog pick of the Day. Check it out.

Bean Pat: Ghost Bear Photography http://tinyurl.com/gudsouu The Thunderstorm from Helll. Great photos and a story that had me belly-laughing and remembering the great storms I enjoyed beneath the drumming roof of my RV, Gypsy Lee.