The world has always been at risk.
For Noah, it was a flood. A flood that would destroy life on earth unless he was willing to do something about it. His neighbors probably thought he was nuts, but he built an arc, gathered the animals, battened down the hatches, and Noah and his menagerie rode out the storm. Because of his efforts the world flourished.
For A. (who takes care of Gracie-the-chocolate labradoodle when we are away) it was a wildfire. Burning ferociously, the fire was heading upslope in her direction. While Level 3 Evacuation Orders (Go!) were being issued to those most at risk, and structures were being lost, A. and her menagerie were only under a Level 1 Order (Get Ready!). There was both a chance that the fire would be contained and not reach her property, and the possibility that she would find herself in the fire’s path. She put an evacuation plan in place, but the wind, weather, and efforts of the firefighters were out of her control. If she waited for the Level 3 evacuation order to come, she knew that she wouldn’t be able to save all of the two-legged, four-legged, and winged souls under her care. So she made a decision, without waiting to be told, ordered, or mandated. She was willing to execute her evacuation plan and move all of her animals to another property that was out of harm’s way. Loading up her truck and horse trailer, she made multiple trips to get all of her precious cargo, including Gracie, moved to safety.
Settled into their temporary home, she continued to tend to and care for the lives for which she was responsible. Once it was clearly safe to return home, she did it all again, except in reverse. Loaded up her truck and horse trailer, and made multiple trips in order to bring all 140, yes, one-hundred and forty, living beings (including Gracie) back home. Because of her efforts the world flourished.
I can’t quite imagine the work that all took.
They say there’s no rest for the wicked. I’d say sometimes there’s no rest for the willing. Those who are willing to care for the world within their reach, especially when it’s hard. Those who are wiling to care for the lives of those around them, especially when it’s hard. Those who are willing to stand up for, fight for, and speak for those who can’t do so for themselves, especially when it’s hard. Those who are willing to do the * harder right thing rather than the easier wrong thing
The world is at risk.
If it is to flourish, it’s up to us.
We just have to be willing, especially when it’s hard.
Written with deep gratitude for A. for all the ways you care, especially when it’s hard.
* Please read Captain Barbara Bell’s excellent piece on choosing the harder right thing
