GETINHERHEAD BLOG

A Bigger Purpose

It is very easy to get caught up in the hype and think only about the big things. A new direction for a nation. A time for change. A hope for the future.

These are inspiring times. Reading over President Obama's inauguration speech, his call for service to a purpose greater than ourselves is unmistakable. My favorite passage:

"But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths."

One thing that seems to get lost in all this inspiring rhetoric and visions are the details of personal responsibility and action. President Obama is calling for a return to these traditional values.

How does this apply to relationships?

The moment you enter into a relationship, 'me' becomes 'we.' Many times, this change is formalized in front of friends, family, the state, and a higher power. Your life is no longer simply your own. Your choices effect someone else. Every action. Every choice. Every word. They all affect someone in your life. It's no longer about just you. You're a part of something bigger.

Are you acting like it?

What would happen if you took the values President Obama states above and apply them to your relationship? What if your neighbors did the same? What would become of your neighborhood, town, state, country if everyone were to act this way?

I'm not sure but I bet the result would be pretty damn spectacular.

Good Luck, President Obama

Every four year, our country has the opportunity to take a new direction in a major way. Sometimes, most people agree with where we need to go. Other times, it's big a argument.

I'm a big fan of constructive discussions. I believe in fair argument. As long as the result is something we can all live with and there is clarity and honesty in the discussion, bring it on.

Change can lead to hope. Change can lead to catastrophe. A lot depends on how the constituents act following the decision. Do they work for the best purpose, the common good, using patience, fortitude, and wisdom? Or do they sit back and think (wrongly) the hard work is done and change for the better will just happen?

I'm happy marriages don't have elections, though I feel there should be a lot of debates. And, the two parties better agree on those items most important to their life together. Otherwise, the fighting is more dangerous and damaging than the partisan attacks in our capital buildings.

I hope President Obama serves our nation with wisdom, self responsibility, honesty, and humility. I hope I serve my wife in the same manner. Not for 4 or 8 years, but for the rest of my life.

It's a lofty goal but a worthy one. Good luck, President Obama. And good luck to us all.