These Two Words
Living gratefully today, I give thanks for time with family this weekend, my longest run in months, and daily recovery work.
As a writer, I also appreciate words. There seems to be an endless selection, and they are sometimes beckoned by me, other times they randomly show up. The latter was the case the other day when merit and fault rolled through my brain.
Through no merit of my own, I was born in a developed nation and have never gone without food, clothing, and shelter. My basic needs have always been met. What a deep well of gratitude that creates, when I remember. I am at fault for not honoring this abundance as regularly as it deserves. That is human nature, but it is not an excuse.
Through no fault of their own, over 80% of the world’s population lives in developing countries. That is six billion people. In these countries there are lower levels of access to safe and clean drinking water, sanitation, schools, and more. Levels of pollution, corruption, infectious diseases, and other related concerns also tend to be higher.
Do I care? Do I try to help bring more good to more people? Do I conserve resources meant for all eight billion of us? These are questions to answer each day as I move about in my developed country.
Through no merit of my own, I take my aging but still strong legs out for a walk or a run in all kinds of weather. Sure, I can take credit for exercising and staying in shape, but I was born with working legs and joints. Not everyone is. Those legs and these eyes get to see the latest fresh winterscape.
Merit refers to being worthy. Aren’t we all worthy? Aren’t we all worthy of the best the world has to offer? Isn’t it up to each of us to preserve and help extend to others? If I do nothing to care for this amazing creation and the world we live in, and to extend love and compassion to others beyond my own circle, then I am at fault for being a freeloader.
Merit and fault. What do these two words bring to your mind today? What action or acknowledgement do they inspire?
