The Good Ole Days

Growing up in rural Minnesota, every now and again a severe winter snow storm shut down highways, incapacitating roadways and travelers. In those days, we didn’t wait for rescue. We rescued ourselves and those around us. Individuals and businesses pitched in, opening hearts and homes to stranded travelers. In some cases, people with snowmobiles hauled strangers home with them.  

Today, watching and waiting for our incapacitated economy to return to prosperity, I’ve noticed something happening akin to the good ole days. We’re once again hauling strangers home with us, so to speak.

While portfolios, earnings, salaries, and home values tank; while gas prices sky rocket alongside our national debt; good old fashioned charity is rising to the surface in our national psyche. Service groups, individuals, families, churches, business and corporations are pitching in and partnering with charities to help fill in the gap for the needy while we go through these times together. This is what makes our nation strong.

I feel a sense of pride when I’m asked by a clerk if I want to contribute a dollar to Autism Research or animal rescue. My consulting business chooses to donate to 200 Orphanages Worldwide, so orphans have safe shelter. I know many other professionals and businesses who actively volunteer or donate as part of their business model and it warms my heart.

While our nation struggles to get back on its feet, to build wealth again, we are remembering those unable to stay above water, let alone get ahead. It appears the important things, the things we learned in the good ole days, have risen to the surface. As greed slowly seeps through our nation’s cracked foundation, sprinkles of generosity are raining down.

I love that ‘We the People’ as individuals are pitching in to help those in need. This gives me a great sense of pride. God Bless America.