CARE, lacking in the world today?

CARE, lacking in the world today?

CARE – Constantly Appreciate and Respect Everything

Caring for ourselves and for one another, I believe, is one of the most important functions of living well. This acronym for CARE demonstrates the inclusivity that is so important in our worldview today. Without this intense vision of care our society will continue to divide and our planet will lack in the care it needs as well. I come from a community, followers of Jesus, who taught me that it was in giving that we receive. Thinking only of one's self and intensely trying to get as much as we can for ourselves is placing us all in jeopardy.

I realize that the word constantly sounds harsh and over the top, but we might at least try to be consistently thoughtful in our mode of living together. Constant, "occurring consistently over a period of time," the best way to interact with one another. Care is an essential in every area of life, especially when it comes to our health and wellbeing. It is also very important within families and groups that wish to share in the benefits of mutual support, enjoyment and togetherness.

To appreciate, "recognize the full worth of, be grateful," and respect, "a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something," are essentials in the art of caring. The sincerity of our appreciation and respect goes a long way in cementing relationships and the enjoyment that comes from our interactions and interdependence for both human and tangible gifts.

Everything is the all inclusive word that defines the extent of our caring. Life is best when it is inclusive and embellishes the fulfillment we desire as well as bringing that same satisfaction to others.

The Source of Care:

In the beginning the Creator cared! In Genesis Chapter One, the statement of progress, "It was good." When human beings were created the "breath" of the Creator breathed into us the Spirit of compassion, love and grace. Humanity was to share in that spirit to do their part in caring for that creation. When each of us is born into this world we "take our first breath" and continue that privilege having been born as "spiritual" beings with the gift of caring. Our difficulty seems to be learning how to express this gift as humans.

Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8, NASB (The Lockman Foundation)
In Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians, "Paul is touching upon something that's infinite; it can therefore include all and has an endless ability to pour itself out. When you're in love, you're operating from this foundational sense of abundance, not from scarcity or fear. There is an inherent generosity of spirit, of smile, of gesture, of readiness, of initial acceptance that you immediately sense from any person who is standing inside this Flow. Honestly, you can tell the difference between someone "in love" and someone "not in love" in the first five seconds of almost any encounter. The all-important point, however, is that if your primary motivation is to love, there is no such thing as failure--except in your failure to draw love from an ever deeper level." (Richard Rohr meditation - Love Never Fails - Wednesday, March 16, 2016)

Gerard A. Pisani, Jr.