“My Life is my message.
You must be the change you wish to
see in the world.” Gandhi

Tonight’s addition to Product of the India of Mahatma Gandhi was supposed to be the five books by Gandhi given to me by my friends from India and that we are offering through Peace Action in Milwaukee. However, unexpectedly, as usual, I got sidetracked with a few friends in need and talking too much. Thus I did not take the pictures of the book covers for the posting.

The talking too much is something I can go without but helping friends in need is essential to my well being. In fact on public radio today on Speaking of Faith I heard about the new science of neureconomics and the genetics origins of the virtue of trust. It seems we are programmed to trust persons and to work for the common good.

I do not know about the science of neuroeconomics but do know that, like nature, to be who I am, I must share my time, talent and treasure with others. So it is not too hard for me to believe there is a scientific base for this element of my faith and experience.

A garden is always seeking a balance of plants, soil and creatures. When something gets out of control, like weeds, the whole garden is hurt. When plants complement each other, as many plants do, each plant does better.

There are always ‘buzz words’. Now the word ‘sustainability’ is one. A few years ago in faith circles the big buzz phrase was “preferential option for poor.” It came from a conference of Latin American bishops in the late 60’s and basically meant to be like Jesus and give preference to the poor, marginalized and those in need. I liked the idea and found it natural to do this. However, once when I went to practice it, those who preached it did not like me doing it and fired me from my job at the time.

Sustainability is the word today but if it comes to mean sacrificing our way of life and really giving up things we enjoy I think, like “preferential option for the poor” it will fade away.

How do we balance what we believe with what we do? “The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind.”

So I did not get the books on Gandhi up on the web today. Maybe I will tomorrow and maybe not. As long as I choose nature over words all will be well.

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