Folk wisdom from centuries of farming is, “Make hay while the sun shines.” The same wisdom arises from blacksmithing, “Strike while the iron is hot.” The broader meaning is that a person should act promptly when favorable conditions exist. Work is easier and more productive. Whether the result is good or ill depends upon the intent, conditions and actions. Some rush in where angels fear to tread. Others use favorable conditions to become the best they can be.
Students called spring quarters at the University of Chicago seasons of “deep purple fog” because of fatigue, cold rains and gloom. People now give evidence of living through deeper purple fogs of depression, exhaustion, and hopelessness. Social, political, psychological and other causes are numerous. The world is too much with us.
Nevertheless, Bing Crosby’s do-nothing advice in the song, “Wait till the sun shines, Nellie,” is not a viable option. Moreover, resilience, skill and character are not prominent when the score is 60-0 and the ball always bounces in your direction. Resilience emerges when things aren’t going your way. Then good teams and good people move forward with courage and hope. Do you see glimmers of hope around, perhaps something like the rainbow that recently glowed against dark clouds above Crawfordsville? Two stories point the way.
J. Harry Cotton remembered riding with a Wabash College art professor through heavy fog and rain. Harry complained about the awful, gloomy day. The artist stopped the car, and they stood outside. The artist pointed out delicate hues seen on a gloomy day that disappear in sunlight. The lesson is that beauty surrounds us all the time, but we have to have eyes to see and ears to hear. Beauty in nature and in people leads us toward light.
The second narrative describes a church serving an Indianapolis neighborhood cloaked by gloom of poverty and accompanying social and psychological challenges. The generous congregation met needs with food, clothing and other provisions. A staff member was appointed as Roving Visitor to walk through the neighborhood and become acquainted. He didn’t focus on what neighbors needed — many organizations did that. Rather, he asked what they enjoyed doing and what skills they possessed and could teach others. He and the congregation learned never to underestimate the abilities or complexity of its neighbors.
A woman loved to cook and prepare meals for disabled neighbors on her block. She prepared excellent lunches for church staff meetings. Word got around among organizations that met in the church building. A catering business she stared from the church kitchen flourished.
A retired man enjoyed growing vegetables in window boxes. The congregation dedicated a vacant lot to be a community garden. As overseer, he instructed neighbors in growing food in assigned plots. They harvested all they needed and shared surplus with neighbors. The pastor mentioned that to a hospital CEO, which led to profitable Saturday Farmers’ Markets in the hospital parking lot.
A teenager responded with enthusiasm about his skill and joy in repairing bicycles. The congregation’s microloan enabled him to start a small business, employing neighborhood youth. They began to make money from newly developed skills rather than focusing on their needs and despair.
The congregation learned about neighbors and created occasions for celebrating their skills and accomplishments. Together they promoted dignity and hope in those previously judged as needy.
Envision our transformed neighborhood and lives if we recognize the beauty and potentials in all our neighbors and sheltered everyone with dignity and hope. We might discover the three Bs of flourishing: Believing in goodness, positive Behavior, and Belonging in a healthy community.
Raymond B. Williams, Crawfordsville, LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities emeritus, contributed this guest column.
