What's your role?

We aren't always chosen for the spotlight, for the important part, for those much touted 15 minutes of fame.  That's OK.  There are other roles, perhaps lower key and perhaps more important.  

This story has been making the email rounds lately and deserves a wider audience.

Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.  Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play.  His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.
 
On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school.  Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement.  "Guess what, Mom," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me...."I've been chosen to clap and cheer!"

There are many ways to clap and cheer for one another.

Lack of malice

Gilbert & Sullivan

My niece and I recently enjoyed an evening of Gilbert & Sullivan’s "HMS Pinafore" at the local junior college.

As is often the case, I learn a great deal by reading the program notes. Consider this: “One reason for the continued popularity of H.M.S. Pinafore, and the rest of the Gilbert & Sullivan canon, is the lack of malice in its otherwise biting satire.”

What a concept – lack of malice! No hate or spite or meanness, even though "H.M.S. Pinafore" nips sharply at class differences in 1800's British society.

The tendency towards classes in all cultures perpetuates a constant struggle against inequality.

Paul the apostle addressed this question specifically, oh roughly 2000 years ago, in two of his letters. No more divisions, he said. No more hierarchies. He saw all men, women, races, nations, as one in Christ.

And if Christ came as a light into the world, as Jesus himself said, then that light is for all nations, to show everyone the nature of God as caring, present, wise, active in our lives for good.

To show everyone the possibilities of a world without malice.

Because the media seems to feed on negatives such as malice, it's useful to counter this poor nourishment with a healthier menu -- by becoming aware of, recognizing and identifying, the kindness and caring of family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even strangers.

To the degree that we do this, we are participating in a world with less malice.