Where is truth?

Just wondering how much of what is published in the paper these days and transmitted in the news is truth. It begins as truth, according to those who published it and many loopholes begin to be uncovered - in other words it is part truth, or relative truth and never the entire truth - which makes it not true at all. Amazing how it is always easier to blame someone else for shunned responsibility.

In our educational system for instance, there is documented research to show what works; yet the "bright" minds establishing all the latest educational mandates refuse to acknowledge and implement what works in most schools for the majority of students. We just apply another written assessment and steal time from the classroom to administer that exam, which only proves the ability to test well and seldom requires direct application to the real world. Elliott Eisner said "You cannot increase the weight of a cow by simply putting it on a scale." He was right and that is truth.

The same applies to the current administration in DC - truth for them, is definitely not reality for the rest of us. Their words are no longer a fabricated facade - despite promises, despite those lingering words of change - these two years have in no way been the change we need.

How is it you can spend more dollars than you make? I want to sign up if that is the way it works - but alas, the White House has and continues to leave us with a staggering price tag symbolizing the "change" that was promised. No one iota of truth there - and we are only half way through the term. Visualize the possibilities for two more years of this spending and spending and spending. I am thinking - why work at all? Why not join the welfare state and let Washington pass the cost on to those who are crazy enough to be gainfully employed.

Personally I do not believe there is a "my truth" and "your truth" - your intentions and actions are either wholly true or they are not, regardless. A good compass is true for all who use it - no compromise, no excuse. In the world today I long for individuals of character who will speak reality and truth - individuals who are willing to accept responsibility for errors with humility and grace. I find our state and nation in need of such leaders, desperate need. Just where do you think leadership that consistently embraces and applies truth can be found today?

Leaving

"Every person and eery circumstance placed in your life is perfect preparation for the future only God can see." Corrie Ten Boom Leaving is one of those circumstances and in life that happens in a variety of ways. Perhaps it is takinga daughter to college or a trip short or long, or a death unexpected or foreseen; leaving is an integral component of life. 

What is important to remember is that the memories of those we hold dear, of those moments we embrace with laughter or tears are with us in our hearts forever. That scrapbook in out mind or tender file within the pages of our hearts seems to hold such events with lasting recognition, sometimes as if they were still only moments away. All of these experiences I believe build character into the souls of our relationships with others when we look truthfully at the contributions they make to our compassion, our understanding of life and our relationships with others.

I have heard that the moments that make you happy, make you wise. Sometimes even tears are those of happiness and sadness because an era is ending. Yet with each ending come new and fresh beginnings and another step or building block into each life that is touched or will be graced by events of the future. Value those rare moments and live every day with all you can for in reality every day and each moment is surrounded by the beginning of a new journey and a leaving of that time that becomes history. We can choose to value these memories or toss them aside as uneventful, boring or precious. How we hold the context of each day and those often priceless events is our choice for we never get yesterday again.