Imagine
each of us is a cell in the body of humanity.
Some
cells in the body carry signals to and from the brain, where other cells
process and store those signals. Some
cells carry essential oxygen to other cells, some stretch and contract,
allowing motion, and some detect and fight harmful cells. There are many, many types of cells in the
human body. There can be dysfunctional
cells in a healthy body. In fact, cells
die and are replaced constantly. But the
health of the body depends on the extent to which its cells do their jobs well.
Each
of us has a role, a function, a job to do in the body of humanity. But we are free to decide what that role, that
function, that job will be, over the arc of our lives and in each moment. We are free to decide how to contribute to
the heath of humanity. There are
countless ways and opportunities to do this, from the smallest act of kindness
to the greatest act of courage; from persevering in traditional values and
service to leading toward new ways of thinking, cooperating and caring for each
other and our world. We can spread health
through education, generosity and discipline; joy through play, entertainment and
culture; justice through responsibility, truth-telling and mercy; and peace
through love, understanding and forgiveness.
Let us choose well and do our jobs well.
