Solving Our Greatest Problems
We have great problems. Insurmountable problems! But we can solve
even our most difficult problems if we work together.
Some of the greatest problems we face today are concerned with the
gradual destruction of our environment through over-use and abuse of
our resources. Unsightly brown clouds; wildlife extinctions; water
that can't be consumed; the disappearance of ancient glaciers. these
problems all seem so huge.
So my family does what we can. We take cloth bags to the grocery
store instead of using paper or plastic grocery sacks. We buy organic
foods when possible. We walk where we don't have to drive. Our home,
like many of yours, is filled with compact fluorescent bulbs and we
use water saving faucets.
But does it do any good? When I am the only one in line at the
grocery store with cloth bags, am I doing any good? Does my walking
to the store or shivering under the drizzle of my anemic shower head
make any real difference to the world?
I recently learned something about flamingos - which probably behave
like many migrating birds. These exquisite birds flock in huge groups
of a thousand or more. Every year, when the time comes for migration,
a few flamingos start the process by taking off from the lake. But
none of the others seem to notice, so the tiny group returns.
However, the next day they try again. This time a few more struggle
along with them, but the vast majority still pay no attention, so
these pioneers come back.
The trend continues for several more days. Every time a few more
birds join in but, since the thousands of others still take no
notice, the great migration plan is once more aborted.
Then one day something changes. The same small group of birds once
again takes wing and a tiny number more join in, just as before. And
this time their total number, though still quite small, is enough to
tip the balance. As one, the whole flock takes flight and the
migration begins. What a spectacular sight it must be - thousands of
flamingos taking to the sky at once!
A few CAN make a difference. It's true that all of the great problems
of the world have been solved because of the persistent efforts of a
few.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead put it like this: "Never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
If you believe in a cause, don't give up! Others will someday take
notice and together we will solve even our greatest problems.
~ Steve Goodier ~
[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright © 2008 (LifeSupport@yahoogroups.com) -- {used with permission} ]
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