Just....Imagine.

"Imagine all the people, living life in peace."

John Lennon's epic call for world unity will be 39 years old in a few weeks.  Some critics (including Lennon himself) commented that the song was "anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti-capitalist [song] but because it's sugar coated, it's accepted." (1) Whatever your reaction or interpretation of the song, there's no mistaking the cultural impact.  "Imagine" is consistently ranked among the most inspirational and influential songs of all time with good reason.  It's a song of hope, to think and dream of a better world.

A brotherhood of man, he sang.  Not a call to lay down all arms, nor to forsake country or ideology, but to merely be open to the idea that we are all one people.  We all love, experience loss, we grow older and grieve for those no longer with us.  We all face the fear of failure, the joys of success, we weep and we dream.

Fall is coming, the holidays aren't as far off as some of us would like to believe.  The economy is shrinking and the only commodity left is the most precious.... time.  We all have some; perhaps not in the abundance we'd like or the quality we'd prefer but there are a few moments in the day.  Perhaps only enough to offer a smile to a stranger, a phone call to friend or a hug to a loved one.  I know I'm sounding a little "touchy-feely" but In the wealthiest nation on the planet, our children are going hungry, our sick are unattended and homelessness is on the rise.  If you have more than moments, I urge you to make the most of it.  Get involved in your community, call/write/email your representatives and tell them your concerns.  Find your local shelter and find out what the most pressing needs are, perhaps they can use your old blankets or neglected toys from your children.  You may be surprised.  My shelter was in urgent need of clean (unused) socks and tupperware.  Incredibly simple things that I take for granted each day.

The most difficult aspect of time is possession.  Time can't be saved in hopes of growth, moments must be used or lost forever.  The time is now, how will you use it?

"Imagine all the people, living for today", that's all.

(1) Gilmore, Mikal (2005-12-05). "Lennon Lives Forever: John Lennon". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/johnlennon/articles/story/8898300/lennon_lives_forever. Retrieved 2010-09-18.