On a recent visit to Nye Beach, I noticed something pretty disheartening. Someone(s) had thrown a bunch of old beer cans and trash in a pile next to a park bench on the walkway down to the beach.
As I walked past the pile of junk, I thought to myself about how terrible and ungrateful the people are who would do something like that, especially here in such a beautiful place.
Later, when I returned to my car after some time at the beach, I noticed a woman walking toward the pile of trash. She was carrying a ukulele and wearing a long, flowing, purple skirt - as one does on the beach in Oregon.
To my amazement, this lovely, free-spirited woman went over to the pile of trash and cleaned it up!
I felt so grateful that people like her exist. People who are willing to make the world a better place, even if it means (as it so often does) cleaning up after other people’s messes.
I also felt kind of ashamed that I didn’t think to do the same thing. I was more than willing to spend time feeling superior to the people who made the mess, but what good does that do?
As we prepare to celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA, it might be a good time to reflect on our own contribution to this land that we love.
I’ve heard a lot of conversations and arguments over the past decade about what makes America great, but I wonder how many of us have spent any time working on being a great American?
I know I can do better.
