January 6, 2022. It’s the 1st anniversary of one of the ugliest days in American history. We’ve been incredibly lucky to have avoided similar incidents in the past. All lucky streaks come to an end. The people who assaulted our government are also lucky. A few slaps on the hand and a short incarceration. They would not have fared this well in the middle–ages. Moving on. January 6th is Apple Tree Day, Bean Day, Cuddle Up Day, National Shortbread Day, National Take a Poet to Lunch Day, National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day, and National Smith Day. I’ll celebrate Beans. They are the magical fruit. Now to the historical events of this day. In 1649 the English Parliament votes to put King Charles I on trial for treason. He had attacked Parliament. He was found guilty of high crimes and beheaded. He didn’t get a slap on his wrist and a short sentence. 1929 Mother Teresa arrives in Calcutta to begin her work among India’s poorest people. She said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” On this day in 1941, FDR gives his 4 Freedom’s speech to Congress. They are Freedom of Speech and Religion and Freedom from Want and Fear. You can search on the “four freedoms speech” and read it. I just did. It’s impressive and worth a few minutes of your time. The quotes for today come from Alan Watts who was born on this day in 1915. Alan is known for writings on Buddhist, Taoist and Hindu philosophy. Here are some of his observations: “No amount of anxiety makes any difference to anything that is going to happen.” “We see what we believe rather than what we see.” I’ll end with this piece of advice from Alan: “Don’t hurry anything. Don’t worry about the future. Don’t worry about what progress you’re making. Just be entirely content to be aware of what is.” Take care and be sure to Abide.
