An Ordinary Life

December 16, 2012 by The Minnesota Farm Woman

I have always been a rather ordinary person. Ordinary is comfortable, and I know a lot of you feel the same way. Ordinary people like you and I don’t normally change the world. In the last few days, however, I am no longer comfortable. I can’t quite wrap my thoughts around how a young man, not much more than a boy himself, could shoot six and seven-year-old children until they are dead, along with the people who tried to keep them safe. This young man was probably born an ordinary person to ordinary parents just like us. I can only surmise that he must have had such anguish in his short life, either real or imagined, to be able to commit this horrendous act against such innocents. Ordinary people like you and I don’t have all the answers. We are usually more comfortable keeping our mouths shut and minding our own business. This keeps our ordinary lives plain and simple, without drama or complications and just the way we like it….or does it? It seems the anger and violence are escalating. Will we ever feel the same about going to work or to school or to the movies? I think it is time for the ordinary people of the world to step out of our comfort zones and become extraordinary. We need to become the voice of change. We need to understand that all people are not the same and learn to embrace cultural, political, and lifestyle differences rather than ridicule them because they are different from our own. Our words need to be chosen carefully and said or written with kindness. This goes for social media sites where people seem to think that not talking face-to-face with someone is an excuse for hateful words. We must teach our children that they need not be perfect, and while we are at it, remember that it is our job to parent them and not to be their best friend. We must learn accept defeat with graciousness, and by doing that, our children will learn from our example. We must stop minding our own business. Yes, I did say STOP. We need to be vigilant and heed the warning signs of someone who needs help and make sure they get it, be it our own loved one or someone else’s. We need to say “please” and “thank you” and smile more often. We need to help more and criticize less. We need to offer comfort and encouragement to those who need it. I hope that we can find our own comfort in the knowledge that on a long ago Christmas, a very ordinary young woman gave birth in an ordinary stable to a very special baby who was born to save us. You see, ordinary people CAN change the world. Although it was way too soon, I know He were there to greet them and that heaven is resounding with the sounds of children’s laughter. The angels are celebrating the birth of the Christ Child, and I hope we can, too.

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

22 Responses

on December 16, 2012 at 4:42 pm | Reply carol north

Well said.

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- on December 16, 2012 at 5:10 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  Thanks, Carol. This was a hard one to write.
  Chris
  
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on December 16, 2012 at 5:02 pm | Reply Karen Rogat

Very well stated.

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- on December 16, 2012 at 5:09 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  Thank you for reading.
  Chris
  
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on December 16, 2012 at 5:13 pm | Reply Mary Havard-McCoy

Thank you, Chris. Well said, my friend.

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- on December 16, 2012 at 7:18 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  Thanks, Friend.
  Chris
  
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on December 16, 2012 at 6:06 pm | Reply Colleen

Great post!! I so agree with you!

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- on December 16, 2012 at 7:18 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  Thanks, Colleen!
  Chris
  
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on December 16, 2012 at 6:11 pm | Reply Leslie

Wonderfully written. Thank you.

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- on December 16, 2012 at 7:17 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  Thank you!
  Chris
  
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on December 16, 2012 at 6:21 pm | Reply Julie Jones

Well said; we sure do need a saviour, thankful Jesus was born.

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- on December 16, 2012 at 7:17 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  I am, too, Julie. Thanks for reading!
  Chris
  
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on December 16, 2012 at 6:23 pm | Reply Mary Hartwell

Your words have expressed what I have not been able to form…………thank you so much…..your words are powerful and true.

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- on December 16, 2012 at 7:17 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  Thank you, Mary. This was a very hard one to write.
  Chris
  
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on December 17, 2012 at 6:14 am | Reply Emma Ann Weatherly

Wonderful words, Chris, wonderful words. I’ve been struggling with the thought that I need to write something, but haven’t been able to overcome the shock and heartbreak, even from miles away. You dove straight to the heart of the matter; how we treat each other in an ordinary every day world is what creates the environment & the psychological well-being – the lack of well-being — of that tortured soul who chose to take lives was the key factor. Step by step, moment by moment, we each have the opportunity to make this ordinary world a better place for all, and hope that can bring us peace. I can only hope at this point that God blesses all those who are suffering from this tragedy.
Emma Ann

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- on December 17, 2012 at 4:46 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  There, Dear,
  You just wrote some beautiful words!
  Chris
  
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on December 17, 2012 at 10:11 am | Reply pixilated2

Yes, Chris! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each and every one of us practiced random acts of kindness throughout our days. The world would be an easier place to live, and it’s inhabitants infinitely happier. ~Lynda

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- on December 17, 2012 at 4:45 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  Thanks, Lynda.
  
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on December 18, 2012 at 11:54 pm | Reply Shelly Pulliam

Plainer truth has not been spoken. While the nations leaders are on the bandwagon for more gun control, they need to prevent the making &selling of violent video games. Stricter control of violent TV shows, & remove the Media from that town. Spreading never ending news adds to the sensationalism of this event & plants more seeds in others’ minds. Never a better time to wish for Peace on Earth, good will toward men.

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- on December 19, 2012 at 6:59 am | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  So true, Shelly. Thanks for reading.
  Chris
  
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on December 19, 2012 at 12:22 pm | Reply Jeanne

Well written, Chris. I will add that along with please and thank you the removal of “curse” or “swear” words from everyday language would help stop the verbal abuse. They are referred to as curses or swearing because that are intended to express anger and hatred. The words are not adjectives, adverbs or noun substitutes either. On a different thought, today I saw a tv spot by the gracious and compassionate Ann Curry on NBC. She was suggesting that we try to do 26 random acts of kindness in memory of those lost in Newton. Sounds like a wonderful way to start making difference. 🙂

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- on December 19, 2012 at 8:28 pm | Reply The Minnesota Farm Woman
  
  So true, Jeanne!
  
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