Sometimes, I think about the fact that I am not a productive part of Society anymore. I barely pay taxes, not because I am rich, but because I just don't make much money. I don't have a career. I don't contribute to the Local Community with my money, expertise, or skills. As they used to say in the Army: I just take up space and oxygen.
On paper, you could easily put me on the Nazi's old: "Do not need," list for elimination.
Or as one of my more cynical friends says: "Everyone over sixty five is just killing time till they die." It can certainly be one way of looking at it.
America is so achievement and success oriented, it is driven into us to become Individuals, responsible for our own success. Even tho all of us know you need other people to do anything of note. We only recently started teaching how to work as a Team. If you are bad at Math, and someone else is good at English, you can Team up to play to your strengths, and put out an article or analysis that has solid numbers, and proper grammar. But nope, we teach that you have to get an A+ in every subject. So you feel bad about yourself ...a lot...because you aren't great at everything. So I thought about what gives life real meaning. Is it the big house? Fancy Car? Awards on the Wall. Or that everyone knows your name.
I don't think so. Those are nice, and I am proud of anyone who garners those things. Most are earned. You go Guy...or Girl.
But I heard a famous guy say this on a Podcast last night:
"I met a guy who had five siblings...and they all get along. So I said to him:
"I want to meet your Parents. What a job they did."
And that got me to thinking. He got it, and he is rich. But still getting along with family and all their different paths in life...gives real meaning.
And I thought about me. I don't do much. Nobody would notice if I was gone. Except....the ones who love me.
How do you put a price on the smiles my grandkids give me when I pick them up on Thursdays for a quick lunch date. I get to do that in about half an hour. So I better wind this up.
How do you put a price on a tired and worn out Kathy coming home from a 12 hour day, to supper on the table, her Uniform for tomorrow washed, dried and ironed. And her Pj's laid out on the bed. She always thanks me..and I get that soft smile I love so much. Compared to her long day...it took me almost no time. But it meant a lot to her. And me.
When my daughter stops by for donuts and coffee on Tuesdays...we chat about books, health, her growing business. Just small talk. No changing the world or garnering wealth. Just an old Dad chatting with his daughter.
Taking the grandkids to see a WW II Battleship, the first Colonial Governors house, to a snake exhibit, or an Art Museum...no big deal.
Taking them to a park and watch them scurry around, going with them to the creek to search for critters. All insignificant in the big scheme of things.
So does my life have meaning?
Without a doubt: YES.
Those little things mean a lot. A smile, a laugh, a quick hug, a taking on of a small task that they just don't have time to squeeze in. Sometimes just listening is a great relief. And letting someone know you believe in them. You can't put a price on that ...I don't think so anyway.
So does my life have any impact on Society. Almost none.
But does my Life have meaning?
Oh yeah. I am good at the little things. And those would be missed.