We Are Witnesses

Former President Jimmy Carter made an impression on me this past week, 

and reminded me of something I've always held to be true:

• I think it is worthy to see the sum total of one's life as a witness of something larger than one's self.
• I think it is necessary to greet each day and each moment as a recognizeable example of what it means to live.
• I think that it is fair to be measured by how one faces and celebrates joys and embraces struggles.
• I think it is true to say that "the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time." (James Taylor)
• I think we should pay attention:

             To those around us who face adversity, and learn from their graceful acceptance or their painful tirades.
             To those around us who respond with loving care and a humility that comes from the heart.
             To those around us who look the other way, seeming to ignore, but glance back with helplessness in their eyes.
             To those around us who simply struggle to know what to do.

• I think that our humanity can be touched in the divine moments where God works through the struggle to reach the hearts of those who are yet to face struggles of their own.
• I think we should witness and be witnesses of grace.
• I think we have an opportunity to learn.