Were I a little more cynical, I would be extremely morose about the increasing lack of civility in society.
It’s not just here, either. It’s global, and unless there’s some tribe in some remote somewhere that hasn’t been infected by our malaise, everybody has it.
Politics has caused us to question and take sides in everything, and by extension every one, and if one side likes something, the other side finds it to be nazi evil bigoted codswallop that was somehow caused by President Trump, or to a lesser extent, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
(Yes, you read that right. This is a problem both sides have. Like I said, it’s a global pandemic of hate.)
I’ve been curious of late of why there has to be such division. I honestly don’t understand it. I can’t wrap my head around why everything has to be only one way (MY WAY!). Without any compromise or even civil discussion there will be no end to the silliness.
This has caused us to miss out on some very crucial things, like Elvis Costello said, faith, love and understanding. It has further hampered our ability to appreciate anything — person, place or thing. So I plan to challenge everyone to stop for a moment and compile a list of things you are happy with — you know, thankful for.
For instance, I lost my father this year in June. As tragic as that was, it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my brothers in a way that we haven’t done since were kids, bouncing around the world for dad’s duty assignments. We were all we had, and we finally remembered that.
Along with that, especially this year, I’ve watched as all my children are now moving on with their lives, marching to their own drummers, and instead of being sad, I’m thankful (especially since my heart surgery 9 years ago), that I have seen my girls grow into fabulous and strong women.
I’m thankful that I work for an organization that respects and even admires my ability and experience and trusts me to perform a task in a career that I’ve loved for decades.
I’m thankful that I live in a state that, for the most part, loves freedom and still clings to a pioneer spirit, shunning the shackles of government largesse.
I’m thankful for East Texas, and even though I am in mortal combat with heat, gently rolling hills covered by forests are my kind of topography. I’ve lived in flat too long, and while it’s good for growing crops, I never get to do things like feed a herd a deer (those guys are little piggies. I can’t keep enough corn on hand).
Mostly, I’m thankful for a just and loving God that has guided me through very tough times, and has loved me unconditionally, even through my most selfish and stupid ways.
I really believe that if we stop and inventory what good there is in our lives, we’ll find a better way to move through living.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Tony Farkas is editor of the Trinity County News-Standard and the San Jacinto News-Times. He can be reached at tony@polkcountypublishing.com.
