May Our Better Angels Prevail

Not that we’ve put the dysfunction and volatility we’ve seen on the news the past 12-plus months behind us. Nothing, unfortunately, seems further from the truth.

 

There’s something about that giant sparkling ball dropping in Times Square at midnight, though, that gives hope that there’re better days ahead. This year’s spherical rendering, which was 12 feet in diameter, was covered with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles, 288 of which were the Gift of Kindness design.

 

What a magnificent message! I thought when I heard those facts and figures. How nice it would be if everyone possessed the gift of kindness!

 

What we’ve witnessed far too often on the local, state, national and global stages of late shows no sign of kindness.

 

Why is this all so complicated? I often think. Is there any common decency left? Or is it all bluster and threats and accusations and egregious actions? Treat others as you’d like to be treated. Why is the Golden Rule so hard to follow?

Those to whom we look as leaders, regardless of party affiliation, have a sacred responsibility to serve as role models and voices of reason, set the tone and act with dignity and propriety. Those in all corners of the world who choose intolerance, disrespect, partisanship and divisiveness should consider what they’re conveying to the younger generation and what kind of future they’re creating. I truly wish the solution were as simple as taking a step or two or three back, breathing deeply and mindfully considering what kind of example they’re setting.

 

A couple of years ago, Emily and I were visiting family in San Francisco, and during a respite we took a leisurely walk through Japantown. In the window of a shop was a sign that stated simply, “Work quietly and diligently for peace. Begin within.” On either side was a stone. One bore the inscription “Freedom,” the other, “Kindness.”

 

Who could possibly disagree? I wondered. It’s basic common sense. Why, then, is it so hard? Why can’t everyone focus on the good? Why can’t we search for common ground? Why can’t “the better angels of our nature” prevail?

At the risk of sounding idealistic and cliché, sports competition is a microcosm of life. It truly reveals the best and worst in people.

 

Two years ago, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw a last minute interception that cost the Seahawks a Super Bowl victory.

 

For four quarters this past Friday night, University of Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight fended off a relentless Florida State pass rush in the Orange Bowl. Time after time, when the best-conceived plans went awry, he picked himself up, dusted himself off, kept his head about him, and led the Wolverines to within a point of victory.

 

Both guys – Collegiate graduates – are class acts. They made no excuses. They never whined or pointed fingers. They never hung their heads. They dealt with life as it happened – and on a very public stage, at that – and responded to adversity with the poise that defines them.

 

After watching intensely contested athletic events both at Collegiate and elsewhere in my travels, I’m always impressed when I see athletes and coaches shift gears quickly from competitor mode, shake hands, speak kindly to one another and handle the outcome with grace, dignity and sportsmanship. Almost always, with emotion still swirling, no time to reflect and a reporter’s voice recorder or camera in front of them, they say all the right things.

 

So what will 2017 bring?

 

Will kindness reign? Will cool heads prevail? Will human dignity be valued? Will peace triumph?

 

We can always wish. We can always hope. We can always dream.

            -- Weldon Bradshaw