Models of good government are hard to find, especially if one is looking for consistency across multiple dimensions. On the other hand, corruption, conflicting interests, self-serving decisions, and a failure to serve are highlighted in newspapers around the world. If one accepts the prevailing exception, every system has its failures. The rhetorical question applies equally in China and Russia as it does in the US and the UK. “Is this any way to run a country? Is there an honest politician in the house?” (Psalm 58.1)
As the annual reporting for many country tax cycles comes due, the question sits front and center. It goes unanswered because nobody is sure what s/he can do with the answer. Voting someone out is a long process that often leads one to the conundrum of who is the lesser of two evils. In some countries there is no one man, one vote system, yet the dependency on good leadership remains. We lack leadership in our communities. There is a void that is often filled by corruption and selfishness.
Life keeps reminding me of the following.
Lamenting can be good, but it is not the final answer. There are times when we need to lament, cry, and even scream. Humans are expressive creatures. Letting it out can be good. Problems start when this is the final step, not just the first that leads to something more.
There are individuals making a difference. They may be hard to find. In a group, they can be the quiet ones. Search, consider, and celebrate when you find someone taking a stand, reaching out to those needed representation, and working to make a difference. Embrace their efforts and let others know they should take the time to see and experience the good work.
We, you and I, can be the difference for someone, if only ourselves. We can model unselfishness. We have opportunities to gift others with a smile and a helping hand. Servant leadership is a cliché at times. It is also a truth that when embraced makes a difference in our communities.
