There are things that go on — take place — at the local (city or county), regional, state, national levels and around the world, about and over which I have very little control.

Truth to tell, about which in almost every instance I have no control whatever. Zero. This is just the way of it.

Then too, few if any would care at all what I might think about any particular situation, happening, event. This too is just the way of it.

This is not a lament. It’s simply being realistic.

Well, old fellow, at least you can vote. Yes. I do that. But the political arena is toxic with the influence of money. We all know this.

And there’s such hostility, such an unwillingness on the part of most lawmakers to even consider principled compromise, that little or nothing is accomplished. We all know this isn’t the way our democratic form of government is supposed to be. Ideology rules. Rigid, inflexible ideology.

So. What are such as we to do?

Well, now. I don’t have a solution to the quagmire, gridlock, of our current political environment.

I do, however, have a suggestion. It won’t solve any of the problems all around us.

But … it will — I guarantee — make you feel better about your place in the world.

Volunteer. That’s right, volunteer. The opportunities to serve our brothers and sisters abound.

There’s Meal on Wheels. Visiting in nursing homes. (Our monthly church ministry is and has been for years and years a true blessing to those of us who count it a privilege to be so involved.)

Coach a youth athletic team. Be a tutor in the schools. Visit shut-ins. Mow someone’s lawn. Help out at Eagle’s Wings. Provide transportation to doctors’ appointments, for treatments, to the grocery store. Take someone to church.

Such opportunities are almost limitless. Such selfless service is uplifting, of inestimable intrinsic value. It makes you feel good about yourself.

And it’s better — a whole lot better — than sitting around with like-minded souls carping, criticizing, complaining about, and finding fault with any who don’t think and act as you feel they should. (And believe me, I do not — do not — think you’re completely wrong about your concerns. It’s just that being critical doesn’t help or change one thing).

Well. So much for one Old Timer’s ramblings. One, as stated previously, who knows that few if any really care about what he might think.

That’s the way it is.

Have yourself a good week. Do something for someone.