There is a new form of human out in the world today.  You will notice his or her appearance because ears are glued to ubiquitous cell phones.  These portable marvels last as long as their batteries’ capacity and do marvelous things like allow you to speak, deliver messages, record messages, do text messaging and download music and movies and lots of other stuff. What is missing is doing something helpful.

I have been thinking about all the things I have to do and all the things I have postponed doing because of the complexity of life that wears down even the retired amongst us.  I should know for I am in the second decade of my retirement and there is no abatement of things to do.  I am a great procrastinator also.  I have been one since I resent having to work although I have retired.  So, I put off a lot.  But there is a nagging feeling that there are a lot of things I should be doing for being retired does not also include avoiding responsibilities and being productive – if and when you can sneak these things in.

for instance:  I think being positive should replace the negativity I feel each morning I open the newspaper and read about all that is going on.  There should be a morning when no newspapers arrive and the TV broadcasts play nothing but reruns of – say – Gilligan’s Island.  So, let us be POSITIVE.  While in this mode how about the following:

Pick up the fallen. If a FLAG is soiled, wash it.

Take care of the widow and the orphan. If you can’t do it personally, donate.

Adopt an unwanted embryo. Stop blaming – see yourself as others see you.

Feed a hungry person. Check to see if you are among the obese.

Give shelter to a homeless family. Do this one day each week – month – year.

Tend to the sick.  Volunteer at hospitals and. Give counsel to the confused.

Teach a child or illiterate to read. Find a school where your help is accepted.

Donate to and help out in a soup kitchen.

Take a day off just for yourself.  Do nothing.  Rest.