Inaction

You know how sometimes, in the overwhelming flow of horrible stories out there in the world, on of them hits you harder than the others?  For some reason, the recent Penn State/sexual abuse story has just caught my attention in a visceral way---right in my gut, not just my head.  Most of the time you read these stories and you have an automatic reaction, “that’s horrible,” sigh and move on.  Not this one.

I suppose part of it is that the boys that were abused, and heaven knows I’m sure there were many more, were the ages of my guys.  I look at my boys, especially when they fall asleep, and their beauty is just awe inspiring.  The sweetness and purity of their faces and bodies…..and the thought of someone damaging that just makes me ill.  And, of course, Judi got her Ph.D at Penn State and  I have a certain fondness for the town….and the gorgeous stone buildings in the area.  So, for whatever reasons, I have been terribly caught up in it.

I’m also mulling over the idea that one action in our life, or one inaction, can define us.  Can we be defined by the worst thing we’ve ever done?  I suppose so.  It’s not a whole picture and yet it is a powerful one.I don’t know what the most horrible thing I’ve ever done…or not done….is right now.  I can think of a few however, and I think more often they are indeed inaction, rather than action.  Inaction is easier than action.

Something to think about.