Monday; October 9

Christopher Columbus has come under a lot of a criticism in recent years. To many, the 15th Century explorer represents the European imperialism that came to the new world centuries ago. What was once viewed as advancing civilization has come to be viewed as occupation and a lack of understanding of traditional cultures. I do understand how different people can view history in diverse ways, but one thing I have to admire about Columbus and his contemporaries is their bravery. In a time when scientist were discussing what lay beyond the horizon, Columbus and other explorers from his day were willing to venture out into the unknown to see what was just around the bend. When they did, they encountered a great big glorious world. While it is a misnomer that they “discovered” places where others had lived for centuries, they opened up vistas that were unknown to their contemporaries.

As I thought about this, I got to thinking about how easy it is for people to get stuck in what is familiar to them. They may not like what they have, but it doesn’t take any bravery or adventurousness to accept it. Not only is this true in our travels, it is that way in our emotional (and spiritual) lives. We may not be happy with what we do or believe, but it is familiar. What would happen if we were to venture out of our ruts and explore the great big wonderful world out there? We don’t have tolerate neighborhoods full of crime. We don’t have to accept the feelings of a hopeless society. We don’t have to be one more generation in a spiraling immorality. It isn’t easy to change – but it is possible!

No matter how you celebrate today, ponder what is possible for society and for yourself personally. Who knows, maybe you’ll set out on a life-changing adventure on your own.

Think About It!

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