I had a conversation the other day with a bright, accomplished business person. Business was not his only pursuit. He has written books on grief and counseling (something he’d become quite expert at). He’s in retirement years now and uses his time devoted to helping others. This is one of the good guys.
So, he started talking about the “human spirit”, and how everyone has a divine spark in them to guide and enlighten. I nodded agreement, though I’d have chosen different words. (It was a cocktail conversation – – you know those!)
What surprised me was his conclusion about the “human spark” we’d agreed we all have. “We’re each responsible for what we do with that spiritual gift.” On one level I totally agree with my friend. Our life is in our hands – – to make of them what we will. This is the dignity and responsibility of each of us. Every life has this chance to define themselves.
But are we all on an even playing field as we start our “journey to become”? Do we all have an equal chance at the good things of life? Do some of us get a head start that helps us achieve success? I think we do. Let me explain.
Consider what we need to succeed in life. First of all we need a set of values that guide our actions: honesty, perseverance, respect, hard work, etc. right? And where do we get those values? At home of course, from our parents.
Secondly ,we need proper education at school. The cognitive skills we develop (reasoning, communicating, problem solving) combined with a knowledge of technology lead to opportunity in life and in the marketplace. . . . that being achieved, you’re ready to make your life’s story.
But what if those two critical elements (home and education) were lacking in your upbringing? What if your young life was marked by poverty, or a broken home, or frequent violence? What if there was no one to model behaviors of honesty and hard work? How would you have turned out?
I think of my father, who, seeing his son so careless in my school work set himself directly in my path saying, “Your school work comes first, THEN sports. DO YOU UNDERSTAND TIM?!!!” “Yes Dad.” I hated the thought of not playing basketball but there was only one way to make that happen. I had to study. My old man was there to insure that happened.
You get my point, right? Without the guide posts of family and the values of education I’d hate to think of the bad habits and choices I’d have made. By myself I’d probably have a reserved seat at Bathtub Billy’s.
Now some might respond, “Well I’ve worked hard for what I’ve got. No one handed it to me.” Good for you! Really, congratulations. BUT could you have achieved your life without help from the very beginning? There are some who have overcome huge obstacles to reach a life that contributes to society. We call them heroes . . . or saints. There are many. But many more have found themselves overwhelmed by a “Cycle of Poverty.”
So how can we help? I think it begins by recognizing the blessing we’ve had in our early lives and a felt compassion for those who, for whatever reason, have not had these many helping hands.
Then we can begin to speak up for the disadvantaged, look for ways to insure compassionate government and law enforcement . . . and, when circumstances permit, speak to our neighbors about helping the social disparity so many experience.
After all . . . in the end, it’s all a gift.
Bless You.
Fr. Tim
