It's aThinking Day

I have thinking days on occasion. It’s a day when I sort things out to see if my beliefs are in harmony with my actions and thoughts. I find that I learn a lot about my behaviors and most often made some adjustments so I am more at ease with my actions and my values. I don’t really know how it happens, and at times they just seem to disconnect and I find myself on paths that don’t please me.

My grandson asked me if I thought America is the greatest country in the world to live in. I said, “It is far from perfect and yes I still think it is the greatest country in the world. It may not be the same for everyone and still my roots and heart are here.”

He then said “Does President Trump believe this is the greatest country in the world. I said” I assume so”. He said “Then I don’t understand his campaign slogan”. 

“How so?”

“If he really believes that this is the greatest country in the world, there is nothing to make great again.”

“I see. Do you think there would have been a better way to say it or do you think he doesn’t believe this country is great?”

He wandered away clearly pondering his conundrum.

After several hours he asked if we could sit down and talk. 

“I think maybe President Trump should have said something like “Lets see if we can make this country even better. I think that is what he meant and he didn’t use his words right. I think that happens to him a lot. I am not sure he stops and really thinks about the words he uses. I wish I could tell him that.”

I said, “I wish you could too, and I don’t think President Trump has much time to listen to people who can’t or won’t help him in some way.”

“Yeah, grown ups kind of forget that kids have a lot of time to think while they are doing things. We see things and hear things that grown ups miss. I think really smart people take time to listen and talk with kids. You know I mean children not goats, right?”

“Yes, and I think you are right. So are you going to try and let Mr. Trump know what you think?”

“Probably not, I think maybe you and Grandpa are the only two grown ups who think that kids have some really good and smart ideas.”

“I do think other grown ups care. Perhaps you are right. We grown ups have a hard time finding the right words to respond.”

He said, “It is pretty simple. You taught me the really important words and you live them. I am going to ride my bike now.”

And with that he was out the door.