I participated in the new Christmas tradition of Black Friday shopping over the Thanksgiving Holiday. My children and I had fun waiting outside in the cold, whispering to each other about the deals we would find, and anticipating the unlocking of the doors to a big box department store.
We had arrived two hours early. The line grew to a great length and we smiled at our own diligence and prowess. And then we saw them. Like vultures riding updrafts, shadows skulked at the edges of the light. It seemed that some had done this before and told us to watch out, the skulkers would forgo the line, wait until the doors would open and then rush in.
I was incredulous and angry. It’s Christmas shopping time, we’re having fun, a time of joy and people are cheating. I had a ‘run in’ with one of ‘them’ trying to get through the opening of the official shopping season. Literally. She screamed at me, “get your hands off me!” I was stunned, I hadn’t touched her except the rubbin’ that went on as my 240 and her 300 raced through the door.
Anyway, I continued on and got the packages as planned, but the whole experienced was soured by the brazen display of selfishness. Our whole society stands on the strength of our social conventions and our willingness to work together. This was very disheartening. I saw the underbelly of our tolerance, the crashing confluence of gratitude and greed.
But the holiday carried on. We went to the theater and saw Twilight. Then on Sunday afternoon we walked into the dark of the opening weekend showing of Lincoln.
Its a wonderful study of a great president. Daniel Day Lewis brings the And what is evident is Lincoln’s belief in truth and right. He did not bend or yield to self serving bigotry or self righteous fascism. He was a true believer and delivered each of us from a backbreaking yoke.
Abraham Lincoln faced mind numbing opposition and obstacles. One son had died, his wife was lost in grief, the other son had enlisted. Seemingly, every politician in Wachington City opposed him. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers were dying brutal deaths on the field of battle, victims of his command. And yet he persevered with determination, vision and clarity. Wow. I think I can still be cheerful even when selfish people bump me out of their way as they shop for Christmas gifts.
A final poignant note, Lincoln instituted our national day of Thanksgiving in 1863, in the middle of our horrific family fight. Give thanks, believe in peace and goodness, love, even when others are actively breaking in line. And serve, even when they don’t understand.
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