Catalyst

The morning after is a hangover.  For many it is the touch of too much food, drink, and celebration.  For others it is simply the fact they are operating without enough sleep.  Some are emotionally drained; from the tension or realization of they are nurtured or slowly destroyed by the people around them.  Regardless, the first morning of a new year always seems to be one filled with tiredness. 
 
In spite of, or maybe because of, I find the dreams of yesterday, the insights from reflection, and the nurture of the people who have and continue to be God’s hands, voice, ears, eyes, and even feet, to each be a catalyst for action.  Given the insights, if not now when will I act?  Given the lessons and evidence, if I ignore this window of opportunity do I imagine something that will be even more opportune?  With the need, as obvious, blatant, and desperate, can I still turn a blind eye and walk on as if I live in a different world?
 
At some point there is enough evidence, experience, and need on the table for people to make up a decision.  Even in history when the miracle of the dead occurred, “that was a turnaround for many of the Jews who were with Mary.  They saw what Jesus did, and believed in him.”  (John 11.45)  I cannot speak for anyone else but for me the evidence, experience, and need cups are all overflowing! 
 
This will be the year of Unified Compassion.  We could adopt central themes involving reaching out to those in need across yesterday’s barriers.  Our measurement of success can be taken using a long-term sustainable yardstick.  Short term measures and drivers are to be ignored except as they support the new measure.  Life as we knew is yesterday has been replaced by a new world, if only for the people I meet, touch, and interact.
 
This isn’t going to be easy.  If we are going to win this battle and the war we will need shot after shot of catalyst; in other words “us”.