Small Things Count

I’ve heard many reasons why people don’t want to get vaccinated against Covid. I agree that vaccination is their choice, as long as they take careful measures not to infect others. And as long as they don’t try to intimidate or threaten other people with retribution if they choose to get vaccinated.

But many anti-vaxers are so convinced that they have the only real facts that they’re getting vicious against anyone who disagrees with them. We’ve all seen and heard the deep cutting-down and the outright flaunting of their rights over people who don’t believe the way they do. The worst I’ve heard so far was from a husband to his wife. He’s dominant in the family and he knows (an uses) it. I’ll leave you to think about the impact of what he said: “I’ll divorce you if you get vaccinated!”

Today’s Thursday Thought quote doesn’t pull any punches.

“If you can live amid injustice without anger, you are immoral as well as unjust.” —  Thomas Aquinas

One of the least-loving places we visit is where our child’s team competes.  Be it soccer or softball, you’ve sat in the stands, cringing when a parent cusses at the referee or some adult encourages fighting or intentional injury, either directly or indirectly by non-verbal approval when it happens.  This can be an opportunity for you to be a good example to your child, the teams, and the adults who aren’t acting like examples to their own kids. For instance, ask that man not to use ethnic slurs around your kids.  Find something during the game to compliment the small, awkward child on the team. If your child acts with violence, make sure your language (body and verbal) clearly indicates your disapproval.  In front of other adults and the team, express your appreciation to the referee for his time and fairness.  When you leave, have your child help you dispose of your family’s trash, plus what was left by people around you.  Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open and you’ll find ways to improve our often too-negative world.