Preface: Over the past years, our country's discussion on our discriminative and political divide has been visibly brought into our homes to witness. Injustice based on any discrimination should not be tolerated and should insult us all. Political divide is a bit different; we may not always get what we want, but that doesn't need to evoke hate. We are all someone's son, daughter, mother, father, wife, husband, neighbor and at the heart are good. We are re-sharing this blog post as a reminder of what that goodness can look like. Peace & Love to all.
They say as a country we are divided and that we have dug our heels into what will help each of us personally. Perhaps that is true. But I hear about our division more than I see it.
Recently, I was on a flight back from seeing my family in Arizona, when over the sound system came a request for anyone with medical experience to go to the front of the airplane. Within minutes, there were five people offering their services. From where I was seated, none of these folks seemed to know one another or the person needing medical treatment. The group huddled for a briefing from the flight attendants and then the medical volunteers got to work quietly, cooperatively and with hands moving efficiently. No one seemed to be concerned about race, political party or other. The attention was focused on helping someone in need.
Once we landed, another announcement came over the speakers informing us that we would need to stay seated until emergency medical professionals were able to come aboard and carefully evacuate the passenger. There were no grumbles. No usual huffs of inconvenience. Just concern and empathy for the person suffering. As I sat there watching the scene unfold, I was struck by how united everyone seemed to be and how it shifted the feel of the environment on the plane. Immersed in the warmth of the Kumbaya moment, the 4-H pledge that I had recited many times as kid ran through my mind;
I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
“That’s a pretty good pledge – good words to live by”, I said to myself.
The scenario and the pledge have stayed with me. It has also caused me to take an inventory of my life’s efforts and the purpose of those efforts. My life has revolved around food in some form since I was a kid reciting the 4-H pledge. From growing, raising, preparing, to serving it, food has been at the core. Although not always easy or lucrative, it's been good work and has brought people together, united them even, if just for a couple of hours.
All of us at Wild Idea Buffalo Company, are thoughtful in our greater mission of improving our environment, which includes respecting all things within that environment. The by-product of these efforts provides nutritious food for a healthier lifestyle. We do this wholeheartedly for us and for you (our community) too, and we'll keep our hands busy, working with intention, for our club, our community, our country and our world for generations to come.
I may be naïve, but doing good really does make you feel good. Better yet... it's contagious!
Photo Credit: Jim Henderson
25 comments
In the service we left no one behind; it should be the same with all things living. Thank you for all you and your family are doing for The People.
Jill,
Thanks for reminding us that “The things that matter most must never be at the mercy of those that matter least.”. (Goethe)
Thank you, Jill, for your story. I am forwarding it to some friends and family. We all need to read the uplifting stories which make us feel a bit better about the future of our society. That no one on the plane showed anything but compassion is a sign humanity may not be as uncaring it sometimes seems.
You made me cry, Jill. Your words were beautiful, simple, heartfelt, and truthful. I will hold them in my heart and recommit to being one of those people who stepped up as well as trusting we are all connected. We need to remember more often how true it is. I appreciate your family’s mission; love your product, and I love the ceremony around the bison. Blessings to you and your community.
Great One Jill!, Our Indian ways are held intact by little write ups like Yours.
Great story…Proud to be a member of this Great Country, Aho!!
I don’t buy a lot of meat from you all, but it always fills my heart to do so.
Thank you for all you do.
Its simple, its ancient:
Love one another
I, to, am a product of the 4-H Clubs, and often remember/recite the pledge with my siblings. Thank you for what you are doing for your community and your world.
Thank you!!!