By Nancy Patrick

I used to love playing with kaleidoscopes. I hardly ever see them these days, probably because people can do so many entertaining things on the computer. The kaleidoscope  is small, personal, and physically manipulated by the user.

The kaleidoscope never bored me because every time I twisted the end cap, all the bits of colored plastic rearranged themselves into beautiful, intricate patterns. 

I sense a kinship between the bits and pieces of the kaleidoscope and the bits and pieces of humanity that populate the world. They include Anglo-Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Africans, Iranians, Israelis, African-Americans, Cubans, Scandinavians, Arabic nationalities, and many others from countries all over the world.

Not only do the bits relate to nationalities or races but also to religions, cultures, ideologies, and core values related to all those categories.

Add to that larger picture, the bits and pieces that reside in our personal lives. Consider how complicated and diverse today’s families are . Neighborhoods, schools, churches, and civic organizations contribute to the complexity and variety of the designs in our kaleidoscopes.

I think these mosaic-like images result from all the amalgams created when all these fragments have to live and work together. 

In my own little family, we have different political and social concerns. We do not all embrace the same moral values even though I think we are basically good people. Many of those beliefs sprang from the roots of our parents while others formed as we attended different schools, listened to a variety of teachers, and heard preachers of many styles and dogmas. Some originated in our personal consciences as we observed our surroundings and participated in life in general.

I notice in my own neighborhood the residents choose different roofers, vote for opposing candidates, patronize favorite restaurants, worship in various churches or choose not to worship at all, and care for our properties in extremely different ways. All these choices express our values because our preferences say much about us as people.

I have discussed what I consider the more mundane parts of our complicated lives so I could explore the extraordinary aspects of life in more detail. Some of these issues occur frequently in our own country while others happen across the world.

I noticed a rise in social unrest when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. I watched news reports speculating about the possibility of this invasion as reporters interviewed Ukrainian citizens who shopped or watched their children playing on the jungle gym.

Their lives appeared totally normal and peaceful, not quite absorbing the possibility of an imminent war. I also thought, “Why in the world would one country invade another country with no provocation?” I couldn’t get my brain around what seemed to me a completely illogical premise.

Right after that, Russia did invade Ukraine, creating a massive wave of international support for Ukraine. Many Americans displayed Ukrainian flags along with their U.S. flags; I even posted on my Facebook page a Ukrainian flag in support of their people.

Then twenty months later as thousands of Israeli young people enjoyed a popular outdoor festival, Hamas terrorists ambushed them, killing 378 individuals and taking 44 hostages. 

As a result, Israel retaliated and began bombing much of Gaza’s territory. At this point, most of Gaza has been destroyed and many of their people starve as blockades prevent food from getting to them.

This war primarily involves the bitter conflict between the Jews and Muslims. With the constant news coverage showing the devastation in Gaza, many Americans have been involved in protests as they support different sides of this clash. 

A contributing factor in this situation involves many foreign students who study in the United States and have organized and participated in opposing demonstrations on their campuses. This situation illustrates the global nature of our social kaleidoscope. Being an American does not mean everyone agrees on important matters.

Ever since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Western world as well as other nations on the eastern side of the globe, have lived in constant anxiety. People around the world view suspiciously anyone who looks different from them or has different beliefs and values.

War has become a main topic of conversation almost anywhere people gather. We surmise other countries’ military prowess and debate which country has the biggest or strongest army, air force, or navy.  Obviously, people around the world began to fear that provocations may spark a wide-range war, perhaps involving various countries.

Every day someone turns our kaleidoscopes, changing yesterday’s image to a different one. We live in a world where powerful people and influential groups control much of what we see and understand. Those in authority tell the masses that these huge decisions and actions must be secretive to protect our national security.

I sometimes wish I had become an activist on the front lines, demonstrating for my beliefs. However, I have surrendered my influence and sense of control to a higher power. Last week the children’s sermon at my church taught the importance of following Jesus’ example in everything we do. Becky Tucker, the children’s minister, gave each child a WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) bracelet. 

You might remember when those stretchy bracelets became a fad during the 1990s. The young people wore them as a constant reminder of the power of choice when temptations presented themselves. What a beneficial habit to have an ever-present token that we should always let Jesus turn our kaleidoscopes!

I cannot change the world, nor can I influence people whose lust for power prompts them to turn the world’s kaleidoscopes, often hurting many people. I can only trust God and believe that he will accomplish his ultimate will. 

Nancy Patrick is a retired teacher who lives in Abilene and enjoys writing