Passion

     I remember when the word passion referred to a strong amorous feeling.  A person who was passionate loved to be in love and make love.
     The word passion originally included suffering as in the Passion of Christ, the final period in the life of Jesus leading to his crucifixion and death.  He had a pure love for all.  Often people suffer when they are denied their hearts desire.
     Today the word passion can refer to any strong interest or desire to participate in favorite activities and hobbies.  Oprah and other pop psychologists popularized using the term to define your most loved activity or occupation which gives your life meaning.  Many believe this includes finding and developing your purpose in life and thereby serving God and mankind.
     Words change meaning over the years.  More definitions can be added.  I have a strong liking for many activities, but I can't say I feel a passion for an occupation or hobby.   Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I cling to the definition of passion as the strong amorous love between two people.
   

Rights and Privileges

     Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and living safely are rights we all share in the USA; however, there is a distinction between rights and privileges.
     Once we are born, we have the right to life.  We have the right to public education until we graduate from high school.  We should be treated equally regardless of gender, sexual orientation, and race.  We should have the right to essential health care even if we can't afford it.  All citizens can contribute to insurance premiums that will cover the expenses of the group.  We should have the reproductive right to control our bodies and choose when to have children.  These are rights not privileges.
     Privileges go beyond basic rights.  Privileges are something we earn or pay for.  For example, public education is a right for every child.  Private and parochial education is a privilege that should not be freely given through vouchers.  Parents who can afford to pay for non-public education can choose to use it for their children.
     Citizens often differ on what is a right and what is a privilege.  Governments need to protect our rights, not pay for privileges.

Spectators

     Observation is a necessary step in learning.  We view the world around us, listen to others, and read various topics which enable us to do many activities or create something new.
     Observation is often a form of entertainment.  We watch TV and movies and go on the internet.  We cheer on our favorite teams, listen to music, read books, and give attention to others voicing their opinions.
      Perhaps we need to spend less time being spectators so we have more time to be active participants.  Instead of being a part of the audience, we should join the action on the stage.  Instead of being an on-looker, we should join the parade or march to our own drummer.  Instead of just listening, we should make our own music and speak our mind.  Instead of just reading, we should write.  

Truth or Dare

    

     In this game, a choice has to be made  between answering a question truthfully, perhaps revealing a secret, or performing an action out of your comfort zone.  Some secrets we will never reveal, and some actions we will refuse to do.
     In the game of life, we need to decide what is true and what we want to reveal.  We also need to decide when to remain comfortable and when to be brave and take chances.  Time, experience, and maturity will help us discover our truth, who we are, and what we believe.  We may go through periods of discomfort as our thinking evolves and in some cases, we change our opinions.  Some of our truths will remain secret; some we will share with others.
     Dare to find your truth.

Miss You

     When loved ones leave our lives permanently or temporarily, our memories keep them in our hearts.  As we experience the death of parents, spouses, and others close to us, some of us hope for a reconciliation in heaven.  Those without this hope must adjust to the final good-by.
     Sometimes, we miss people the way they were.  All mothers miss their babies and little children as they become adults.  We miss our family unit as children go off to college, get married, and move away from home.  As our older relatives decline and show signs of dementia, we miss their former selves.  As we get older, we often miss our own younger version.
     Do you ever wonder what people miss when they are away from you?  Perhaps your warmth, hugs, and love, your unique personality, your other qualities they admire and enjoy.  Do you ever wonder how you will be remembered and missed when you leave this earth?  This could be an incentive to become a better you, to improve your relationships, and to make good memories for those you leave behind.