The 1980s were a fascinating time. After the turbulence and societal discord of the Vietnam War, the resignation of President Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal, and the subsequent election of Jimmy Carter, there was profound hope. Yet, the policies of the Carter Administration created a malaise that left many wondering, "what next?" Runaway inflation, the oil crisis, the Iranian hostage crisis contributed to Carter being a one-term president. The American people switched horses in the middle of the steam and placed their bets on B movie actor former democrat and former California Governor Ronald Reagan.
Before the 1980 election, a forgotten series called "Free to Choose" was aired on PBS. It was a harbinger of the 1980 presidential election. The country would turn toward free-market principles first presented by the famous Scottish philosopher Adam Smith and his concept of" The Invisible Hand." Free to Choose was based on the same name, written by Milton and Rose Friedman. Milton Friedman was the 1976 Nobel prize winner in economics. His style of presentation was both disarming and fascinating. He was often a guest on the Phil Donahue show. Always at ideological odds, Friedman and Donahue non-the-less deeply respected one another. They implicitly understood that alternative viewpoints were possible. It was critical to accept another's view as just as relevant as your own. It was a kind of forgiveness, I think.
Having the freedom to choose is taken for granted way too often in these times. But, in this season of love and joy, it seems to me we should embrace the power of choice on a personal level that's independent of politics and economics. From what I've come to understand, the most liberating choice personally and has the most impact universally is:
"To Forgive and do not judge."
Others can wrong us in infinite ways. Perhaps we are cut off in traffic. Maybe we encounter a surly customer service representative. And perhaps we feel betrayed. This is the most cutting transgression of all! But forgiveness; this frees our souls. Resentment is a prison. Bitterness, envy, jealousy are the worst places to be. How can I forgive then? How can you not?
Part of my morning routine is to listen to a short teaching by someone spiritual. This morning it was Ekhart Tolle. He said this:
"The world is not designed to make us happy. It is designed to challenge us."
One of the most significant challenges sometimes is to forgive.
In this season of rebirth and renewal, perhaps resolve to forgive just a little bit more.
Have a safe and joyous holiday season!
In service, James
