I am once again in front of the television on New Year's Eve. The kids and the dog are having their annual campout under the Christmas tree which is the only light in the room. My wife and I share a blanket and a few laughs with kids. Imagine begins to play for the crowd in New York.
It may be my favorite song because it is so clear and so optimistic. I look at my kids, think of the types of innocent questions they ask and wonder for that fleeting second reality will allow why on earth people can't see we are all the same deep down.
All year, we have seen people around the world commit or excuse horrible acts purely out of fear. Police kill, politicians demonize the poor, banks and corporations steal from us daily, our country turns its space program that used to symbolize its hope and courage over to private companies, polluters keep killing and the NRA can't even be moved to common sense by 21 more school shootings. People still get shunned and abused based on the color of their skin, the God they pray to (or the one they don't) or who they love. All because so many people are motivated by fear.
As the New Year dawns, I just want to express my very deeply held hope that this is the year we begin to live the words of John Lennon's song. I know it is far too naive to believe we could ever live together in total peace but how about if we start by remembering to put our actions through a simple filter:
Is what I am doing teaching others the power of love and hope or is it teaching them to be motivated by fear?
Love and hope change and improve our world and the lives of those who live in it. Fear is a disease that kills.
This year, I resolve to put my actions through this filter. Maybe, just maybe, it will make a difference.