Faith in Humanity
I’ve seen a lot of things lately that have made me feel very sad and upset about the society in which I live. I’d like to share just the most recent events…
Late last night, I was awakened by the sound of a dog barking and then howling in pain. I crept over to the window to peek out and see what was going on, and I saw someone I know with her two dogs, violently tugging on one’s leash to pull her closer and then smacking her in the face. She did this a few more times, then a few moments later jerked the chain with such force that the dog yelped in pain. It was abusive to say the least, and I was horrified at what I saw. The worst part wasn’t the dog being hurt, though that was terrible; it was that I was watching someone I knew do this to her dogs.
I have an uncle who expressed his extreme dismay when I decided to remarry. He also took a step in the wrong direction with me by announcing, after my divorce to my first husband, that he knew it would happen. We haven’t spoken since then (a few years), but my mom tells me recently that he speaks to everyone like we’re still doing just fine.
My husband and I are expecting our first child in July. Today is the first day that I worried about what she would be exposed to in this life. I don’t want to expose her to any of the negativity I’ve experienced. It’s hard enough wanting to always be happy around my little girl, to let her never see me sad or angry. But I don’t want her seeing any unhappiness. Only joy. Love. Tolerance. I want to teach her to enjoy life, to respect others, to love animals, to never judge, and to always see the good in others.
So, that’s what I pray for tonight. My meditation will be in finding that for myself, so that I can truly show that to my daughter.