Heavy thoughts

Do you ever have days when you think change is just beyond doing?  That trying to make a better way or help those who need it just seems impossible? 

I ask because I sit here, at the beginning of another new year, and I feel like being hopeful is hard work.  It seems there is so much in this world that is a mess, and that little ole me really can't make a difference.  I know I am not alone feeling this way.  Actually, I think so many people feel helpless that we shake our heads, and we stay frozen in any activity. 

Or, we go on with our own little lives just trying to survive and find happiness - knowing that the "big picture"is just way too big to handle, to work on, to change.

People make new year's resolutions about themselves.  They look to improve a personal issue...often it's about weight. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that because we need to take care of our own bodies, and to try our best to stay healthy.  But, new year's resolutions are rarely about making the world a better place.

I sit here in early January, and listen to the news on TV, and feel over-whelmed.  I drive my neighborhood streets and feel helpless to those I see living in poverty conditions. A few days ago I traveled the state and felt so depressed by the abuse of our earth. God's creation so littered. 

But, I know - in general I am a pretty "up" person and I realize it takes a village to make change - and everyone doing just a little bit is certainly better than giving up and doing nothing.   So, I sit here and think what I can do.

I went online yesterday to order a trash tool - it's like a cane with a point on the end - so I can take at least one hour a week to stop somewhere and pick up trash.   That is pretty simple to do.  Not all issues are.   I want to do more.  My efforts won't change the SC landscape.

I want to stay hopeful... and I want to continue to push towards betterment with issues I really feel impassioned about.   But, have you noticed?  There seems to be a fine line between feeling that way and going too far.  At some point it's hard to be happy,  to live without some shame or disappointment.  To not judge others.  To feel down about it all.  I mean - if we ALL just worked together so much more could be accomplished!   So, why don't we???

Our political system is a mess.  Our divisions seem so much bigger than our unity.  Our schools are over challenged.   Our churches struggle as they try.   

Yep - this is how I am feeling this morning.  I don't want to end this post on a downer.  But, man, it's such a "dog eat dog" world out there.   Changing that philosophy seems impossible.  

So, how to end today's post without throwing my hands up?   

Anybody got some words of wisdom? 

I know a nice walk does my head good.  So, I will bundle up and head outdoors. I know reading scripture gives me some hope.  It isn't about just here and now.   I know music lifts me...so I can turn on some upbeat country music.      Yes, those are all things I do to lift my soul.  

But, what about the world out there?