CHARACTER, IS THIS SOMETHING YOU POSSESS?

Photo provided by Pennie Beth Saum

Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive in an individual. With that said, we can fully understand why we are seeing a downslide in character.  I have worked in the public for more than twenty years but the last two years have been like a mudslide in character. 

It’s impossible to get the average person to cultivate greatness, work, or quality of life.  You can sound the call for a bowling/alcohol party and everyone wants to join in.  Beach party, the beach is full.  Any other kind of party and there is a full house.  Yet, the place of worship has fewer and fewer wanting to attend.

When I was growing up, if someone was in need there would be multiple people there to assist.  Not so in the twenty-first century as more than three-quarters of our society is so selfish they can’t seem to think past their own demands.  Notice I did not use the word, “desires” because that was something of the twentieth century, it is now, “demands,” because of everyone demands of others constantly. 

There is no understanding of the saying, “There isn’t enough funds to supply this request”. 

I am watching this same scenario play out in marriages, families, jobs, businesses, and organizations. Zero tolerance for not getting what I want.

Last week I had the opportunity to work with a young man that seemed above average. This man was very respectful, assisting even when not expected, each person he was around he treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. 

I took the time to sit down with this young man and enquire a bit.  His father had left his mother when he was in the fourth grade, shattering his life and his brother's and sister's lives. 

Mom, left to be both mom and dad, was suddenly thrown into a horrible state but one she conquered very well.  When he began to act out in high school and get into trouble, he said he had men who would take him out hunting, fishing or just working and during those times would work him over letting him know if he did not straighten his act up they would continue to have these talks.  

He said, “I probably would have ended up in jail if these men had not cared enough about me to shake my world upside down.”

I personally am not for this type of behavior in teaching a child, but honestly, the adults entering the workforce are hitting their boss on the head with books and laughing about it, sitting down on the job and when you try to get them to cooperate, they shut down even tighter.  They have one skill set, “Doing Nothing” and expecting to receive pay.

Character is what my neighbor displayed this morning. He was cleaning the leaves out of his yard and the alley.  Instead of blowing leaves further down the alley, he turned the blower toward his yard and blew far more than his own leaves into this yard, so he could bag them and dispose of. 

Businesses are struggling today because many Americans feel they can purchase items, use them and then return them, so they can go purchase more.  They are afraid to teach their children how to be an individual without having new things constantly, so they try to keep up with their friend's kids finding this drive/thirst is never filled but totally draining them of all their energy.  Many are never satisfied with meals, demanding the restaurants give them the meal free and the list goes on of the way Americans are throwing away their character.  

Are you an individual of character even when those around you have none? 

Character is something that will give you rest when you lay your head down, knowing you are treating people with respect. 

Character is something that may get you a promotion instead of being overlooked.

Character may be what keeps you on the job site when others are let go. 

Character is what may get you chosen on a team or get you a scholarship from a local organization.   

Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive in an individual, is this something you possess?