Our primarily constructive world

Looking at a sobering Monday as the days move away from recent tragic events. And it is something to contemplate what hits home while wanting to respect too much tragic that happens on a daily basis. For me there is the sense that attacks on the most dominant cities in getting so much more attention, also point to a reality of a world where so much has been built by so many people with so much care and time.

It is not disrespectful to others to recognize when an attempt is made to attack the very foundations of our modern world with all its problems yes, but with so much possible for so many that would not be without the tremendous building that has gone into its creation.

Years can be necessary to build something that can be torn down in moments, which is not always a bad thing. That old building may come down to build something much better, or the area may even be turned into green space, like maybe a park. But the reality that so much that took so long can be taken away so quickly does not change the calculation that building is better.

And of course a human life is built over time. And each of us will find our way one way or another, maybe even pulled along it seems for the most part. But tasked with making decisions. Which for adults come after years of building towards adulthood, which is a necessity all who make it share.

For me here in this space already have talked about the wonder I have with so much we do as people working together maybe without necessarily thinking about it, as people going about their lives and so many starting their workweek today. Like a symphony of more cooperation than not, as so many whether they think of it that way or not, help build today, on which tomorrow depends.

While some may not feel that call to constructive action--and even worse some may turn to destruction, even daring to take the lives of others in senseless violence--a world will continue in its own way to make a music of sorts, whether you hear it that way or not. I like to think I do.

And I believe that the people who will really matter, who will make the difference are the ones constructing and building on a daily basis in so many ways.

Enjoying your life as much as you can I think is the best defense, as happy communities are better. Not just because of how people feel, but also about what they build.

As challenging as it may be wherever you are in the world, may your Monday be a day that you build on something good. And may that help for a better life for others, you, and if possible your world.


James Harris