Why Wait?

This morning, I heard a local radio personality say, in reference to remembering 9/11, that "the best thing about America is how we come together when something bad happens."

I could not agree more. And less.

Our ability to unite for a common purpose is one of the wonderful things about America. The fact that we fail to do so until tragedy strikes is one of our worst qualities. Why wait?

Why not recognize that we have common wants and needs and goals and values every day? Yes, there are ideas that divide us; there are opinions about how to satisfy our needs and reach our goals about which we disagree, sometimes vehemently. But if we know that those differences won't stand in our way when it really matters, why would we let them ever stand in our way? Or why won't we recognize that it always really matters?

I have written before about the difficult beauty of America - of our incredible gifts and possibilities, and how those very things can stand in our way. Here, again, we are faced with the surprisingly difficult challenge of choosing and cherishing what is good and right, and we are challenged to do so of our own accord, without inspiration from evil-doers or mishap like we have, in so many cases, required.

When we notice a gap, now - not when the next hurricane hits - is the time to bridge it. When we encounter a wall that divides us for no reason, now - not when terrorists strike - is the time to tear it down. When families are estranged, now - and not at the next loved one's funeral - is the time to understand one another and heal.

We can come together whenever we decide we're ready. Why wait?