Mixed Up Priorities
A friend of mine shares the story as a computer tech, about a time when a potential customer visits his shop and wants advice. The tech gives him the information he could, without actually seeing the computer, and after discussion and no seeming solution, the tech asks the customer if he wants to bring it by so he could look at it. The customer is appalled at the thought, mortified at having to pay someone to repair it, indicating there was no way she could afford any repairs, but insists she cannot be without one. Deciding nothing could be done, she turns to leave. The computer tech compliments her nice nails. She then turns to him and thanks him for the compliment and adds she not only just had them done, but also just received a pedicure!
The example is, (at least in my opinion) an excellent indication of just how mixed up our priorities are. We’re more worried about wearing the latest fashion statement than having food on the table or medication necessary for an illness. It’s more about having an iPhone or other social media gadget than getting an education. It’s more about having the “hottest and fastest” car on the block than being able to pay off our credit card bills. It’s more about going to a sports event than spending time with our children. In a nut shell we are messed up as a nation!
There was a time when the United States pulled together even in a crisis. WW II brought people together in a number of ways. Economically the war ended the Great Depression because millions of Americans worked to create weapons. The business sector grew and flourished as the “New Deal” programs were put into effect and Americans met the challenge of what was asked of them, even to buying bonds to help finance the cost of the war. Communities worked together to save metals and rubber and other items; and planted “victory gardens” and even created and sang songs of optimism and belief in the cause.
Is our country anything like this description now? I contend it is not. If you asked your young person general political questions, could he answer? Does your teenager know the capitals of these United States? Does he know who our allies or enemies are when discussing other countries? Could he define “freedom” and what cost our freedom really is? Does he understand the threat from terrorists? I suggest our young people or even many teenagers don’t know the answers to these questions, but I wonder what of adults?
Sadly, even adults have become complacent about those things which really matter. We’ve become dependent on television for entertainment rather than spending time with our children, seldom picking up a book to read and instead watch movies; place an already prepared dinner “fresh from the supermarket” into the microwave for dinner or picked one up at the local carry out instead of preparing the meal from “scratch” from veggies we grew in the garden; haven’t the slightest idea how hammer a nail, thread a needle, change the oil in a car or a hundred other things “everybody” knew thirty or forty years ago, because it’s easier to pay someone to do it…or discard it and buy new. We “discard” so much now, some might call us a “throw away nation!”
I challenge you to consider your priorities. Are they aligned with what is good and right? Is your faith, family and country at the top of the list? What order do you place what’s really important or do you even have an order? Is it time for a change?
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-young-people-have-mixed-up-priorities-1.1270642
http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/world-war-ii/essays/world-war-ii-home-front