Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The beauty of humanity (#621)

Occasionally, not as often as should be, we get a chance to glimpse into what makes the human experience so special. As we endeavor, on this planet, to find our way through life, often we come upon circumstances which try our souls and give us insight into the true character of our species. Such is the moment now when 33 miners, who have been trapped underground for 70 days, are finally being released from their underworld captivity. Each man is being lifted up out of the grasp of the planet we call home, and is reunited with not only family and friends but with a keen sense of how glorious life can be when hope for continued life is revealed. We are at our best when we work to help each other against the forces that would separate us. It is uplifting for them and for us who are the bystanders wishing them to succeed. It is not just their triumph in surviving but it is humanities as well. Us humans know a good thing when we see it and feel it. The better and best of us is always coupled with our extending our hands out to one another. It is undeniable. When the last man is finally lifted out, hopefully, and we have moved on to the next "important" story, it would serve us well to try to remember how right the story of the 33 trapped Chilean miners made us feel when they were rescued. It is a hallmark of our abilities and instincts to care for ourselves through others. Yes, care for ourselves, through others. A paraphrased biblical quote comes to mind, "what you do for others you do for me." Never has this meant so much for 33 trapped Chilean miners. I know in myself that when I do an honorable thing for someone else it is as if I have done some great thing for myself.

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