Clarence the Angel (Second Class) tells George Bailey that one man’s action can have ripple effects. I often ask if there is any person whose actions do not cause some effects, either positively or negatively, somewhere. When national leaders act we hope the effects are order and not chaos. Sometimes our desire for order causes chaos. When we desire chaos, we will have it.
Chaos Caused by Me
Anyone who sees my workspace will argue that I am disorderly, chaotic, and even a little reckless. I try. In my living space, however, I want order, cleanliness, and peace. When clutter gets to me, I start throwing things away. It is a process to bring order and peace of mind. It usually causes problems for anyone living with me. I may throw away something important – a bill needing to be paid or an important document.
Generally, I mange to hold on to these things. I might find other objects or documents of importance – an undeposited check, for instance. Such situations bring order to me, but not necessarily for other people.
The Situation of the Moment
The present U.S. administration wants to make cuts in government spending to show they are saving the tax-payers money. In their desire to do so, they have created chaos in the lives of many people. Recently, I learned our local food distribution efforts for the needy are being hampered by a freeze placed on the Department of Agriculture. A colleague tells me that cancelling the shipments of food will reduce by 25% their ability to give food to poor families. He reminded me that this will be on top of cuts already being made that effects this work negatively.
Chaos Causing More
Hosea warned the Israelites in the 8th century BCE, that evil causes more evil. “For they sow to the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7) Bringing chaos into the lives of people who can do nothing about their circumstances makes for an unstable and unpredictable future. What will people do?
The same holds true for people who are suddenly laid-off. What will they do? Where will they go? Has there been any provision made for retraining or job placement? Can local food banks now take on the extra clients? The goal is to show $1 trillion dollars in savings. It is a laudable goal. Should we achieve it on the backs of farmers, the poor, and the people who try to help others?
Controlling Others
It is impossible to control people forever. The time will come when people refuse to cooperate with what is being done to control them. This Lenten season I decided to not use X and Facebook (except for sending this blog out or making church announcements). I did not suspend my account. I merely removed the apps from my phone and tablet. A funny thing began happening. Facebook now sends me notices trying to get me to on their site.
It is interesting. I am not being a good product for their advertisers. The independence I feel is wonderful. There is less chaos trying to control my actions. I like it too much for their good.
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