We are all in pursuit of something. We all get caught up in our own struggles and every day routines. Unfortunately, we can become so self-absorbed that we get disconnected from people around us.
In today's world where self- dependence and competition have become our mantra, and where digital and electronic distractions abound and compete for our attention,
we need to be reminded more often about the importance of
community, family and friendship: of being supportive of each other, helping one another and
of being present in the moment when with others.
An African proverb says:"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together".
*Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thigh bone) that had been broken and then healed.
Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from anger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken the time to stay with the one who
fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where
civilization starts, Mead said.
fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where
civilization starts, Mead said.
..So, then the question that come to mind is: Is civilization more evident in today's world?
♫Reach out and touch somebody's hand, make this world a better place ♪...
*Culled from a devotional.
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