What Really Matters

So I was all set to write about the latest debate between Obama and McCain, and it occurred to me while hiking this afternoon at sunset on a still warm but no longer oppressive desert autumn day that while politics are interesting and this election is important, there are certain things that transcend politics and economic downturns and cut through all the haze and slights of hand with a clarity that puts everything in perspective. Besides, the campaign isn’t going anywhere for the next few weeks and that column will get written, but not tonight.

Tonight is a celebration of the things in life, little and big, that make life worth living, things that really matter, and that quite simply can’t be taken away by the politics and issues of the day. Going for a hike or a trail run on a late afternoon while the obstinate desert sun hangs around on the western horizon for just a bit longer is a sight to behold no matter which party controls the Congress. And the sweet sound of my best friend’s voice in conversation doesn’t sound any more or less sweet if a Republican or Democrat controls the Executive Branch.

The sound of my daughter singing show tunes and pop tunes and 60’s soul tunes up in her bedroom can overcome any market downswing. The joy and pride that comes from watching my boy grow into a young man trumps the price of gas, or for that matter the price of tea in China. There is certainly no deficit in the energy level and enthusiasm of the wonderful students I have the pleasure of working with every day as a high school teacher, and no recession or depression can outweigh the pleasure of getting a friendly smile or a warm hello from a total stranger.

Look, the nation I love so dearly is in rough shape, the economy that affects me and most everyone I know and care about is reeling, men and women are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan when they should be home listening to their daughters sing, watching their sons play ball, and enjoying conversation with their partners. There is plenty to get worked up over and I haven’t forgotten those that are hurting or the seriousness of our time and place in the world. I will continue to write about such issues because they do matter, and because I, like many people, do care about what happens in my community, in my country, and in this world we all occupy for the briefest of intervals. But not tonight.