There's somethin' wrong with the world today

I don't know what it is
Something's wrong with our eyes
We're seeing things in a different way
And God knows it ain't His
It sure ain't no surprise
We're livin' on the edge -Aerosmith

I think there has always been war waging in the hearts of men whether it is manifested in physical battle or angry words of hate. We preach tolerance in America, but do we live it? Or, are we motivated by our own selfish behavior? Is it possible for everyone to feel that justice and freedom are theirs? I am emphatic in my belief that the answer to that question is yes! But, it requires sacrifice and our very nature as man leads us to selfishness therefore denying us the very freedoms we profess to desire.

As of late I have been especially conscientious of the people in my surroundings. I am fascinated by the things I observe. Yes, we are surrounded on every side by hate and envy, greed and even terror, but there truly is so much good. I was at a bookstore and realized that the environment around me was quite peaceful. People weren’t in a rush, nor did they care if they had to wait in line to make their purchase. In fact, people were smiling and talking as they waited. The cashiers were sweet and kind. The people there were not worried about themselves and the things they had to do, but it felt as though they actually loved the people they were around. How would our definition of tolerance change if we realized that we should be caring more about other people? I think it’s important that we have our opinions and live according to our own dictates of conscience. That is what defines us as individuals, but if we are so focused on our opinions and standards that we lose sight of others as real and true beings of conscience, emotion, and love; we lose sight of ourselves as just such beings and our view of tolerance becomes something akin to the idea that I will tolerate the other so long as they live according to what I believe.
I can only strive to love myself and to love others so that my heart is open and my eyes are free to see that I might tolerate others and desire for others the best for them.