Monday - July 14, 2008
watch this (you)
This is an email forward rant... But first, watch this video! It's one of many similar ones that roll through the inbox, but I couldn't even finish watching it (if you do, let me know if it gets better...)
Is it just me or did you find this really insulting?
I like to think I am not the "you" that begins every other sentence. That "you" must really be a bastard! For example,
I don't call in sick with a headache, do you?
I've never seen anyone wearing a "don't support the troops" t-shirt, have you? Usually, people expressing anti-war sentiments are very careful to stress that it's the war they oppose, not the poor soldiers out there fighting the war.
And I definitely don't talk trash about my buddies when they're not with me, do you? I even try like hell not to talk trash about people who totally annoy me. My famous line - "Oh, they're probably having a bad day."
Let's hope I don't hang out at the beach and "stare at all the pretty girls". Yesterday we went to the beach and I walked forever, chatting up the fishermen, hoping their lack of luck didn't mean a lack of protein at dinnertime. Sifting through the shells to find new wonders to decorate the sandcastle Kyra was building.
...thanking God when I turned around and realized that I'd been walking with a strong wind at my back (duh) and would now have an arduous return trip that I have the strength and stamina to do so and still smile and enjoy the walk. Jumping in the cold water and feeling as I always do when I dunk under: that somehow the sea is washing me clean, a baptism and rejuvenation of my spirit, a oneness with the Creator of all this beauty that surrounds me, and ready to face life again- whatever it may bring.
And I know for sure I don't have a maid making my bed or washing my clothes, do you? In fact, I'm between loads right now or I surely wouldn't have time to be sitting here at the computer checking my email and deciding what to cook so my family will have supper while I'm working tonight.
I may be alone in this one, but I also rarely complain about the heat... I'm always cold, I belong in Florida.
AND, I don't know anybody, especially any moms who "roll their eyes when they hear a baby cry". Who isn't flooded with emotion and memories and fighting the impulse to reach out and scoop that baby up into their arms? That was a weird accusation... who does that?
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I'm not the "you" in that video: I totally appreciate every creature comfort I have and everyone who has made every moment of my life possible, even the really crappiest moments, because those are why I appreciate even the tiniest comforts and joys so much.
Also, bad Catholic that I am, I really think it's possible to appreciate the sacrifices others make (no matter how tiny or huge) on my behalf without feeling massive guilt for any pleasure I may experience.
Oh, one more thing: although that Raise Me Up song is quite lovely and inspirational, I've heard it SO much in the past 6 months attached to various videos that it's inducing more nausea than goosebumps now.
Whew! I feel better, how about you?
Whoever "you" are, I believe that we all have our crosses (by choice or fate) and they are fitted to us. "You" have a purpose in the grand scheme and you are important, no matter how small your purpose may seem. (Can you tell we just rented Bee Movie? It was surprisingly good, even DH laughed a lot.)
BTW, whoever made that video really should get out and find some new friends.