We should think about being kind to ourselves and go on a hiking trip with our camping gear
to get away from it all and just relax a bit. To get in touch with nature, the land, the sky, the trees and the animal life. To give our mind a chance to renew itself and restore strength to our
body. Just the thought of being able to discover the scenery that awaits us, the trails, the woods, the pastures and the fields. To listen to the sound of the wind blowing gently through the trees,
the sound of birds as they make their usual calls and alerts to anything that disturbs them. To
feel the warmth of the sun as the grass and the trees profit from the energy it provides.
We have enough food and water in our backpack to sustain us for awhile. Maybe even a book to read as we sit under the shade of a tree. All of the camping equipment necessary to provide our every need as we enjoy the day. Life can be so good as we enjoy what we have and the freedom to take it all in. We can take off our backpack and sleeping bag and watch the birds and animals get back to their regular business. While we watch their show as we remain still.
Now, to change the subject for a brief moment to face the reality of the situation with our great
country. We are no longer what we used to be. The USA won it's freedom at great cost and
sacrifice. The people that sacrficed their honor and their fortune wound up penniless and in
great hardship as a result. As a result of this freedom and the maintenance of it, we have
become complacent. Now that we are weak with our economy sputtering and inflation raising
it's ugly head - note the cost of fuel, food, health care, and education most of us are feeling the
problem of paying our bills, the devaluation of our homes and the credit cunch. Russia has
invaded Georgia, one of our free nations, and seems bent on trying to regain more of it's former
territory. While at the same time intimidating the U.S. And we are vulnerable to attack when
we are weak. Our military has continued to carry out it's responsibility in a magnificant
manner. I'm not criticizing them. That is our one bright spot.
It is the rest of the country that is suffering. The jobs that are lost, the industrial base has
shifted to the Pacific Basin. We may not have the same industrial ability to rebuild our military
machine the way we did at the beginning of World War II. There just is not much good news
these days.
So, back to camping. we need to get away from the situation of our reality and focus on our
values. What is it that we really want? Isn't it freedom. Yet freedom requires responsibility
not irresponsibility. What will it take to get back to where we need to be? What will it cost?
How much are we going to have to suck it up just to survive?
Well, now it's your turn to respond. All posts are welcome, comments, criticisms, or whatever
is on your mind is appreciated. I think it's time to get back to reality, so I reluctantly pick up
my backpacking gear and sleeping bag and mosey on down the road.
