DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE A FUTURE?

This is a time when people are having interpersonal difficulties across the board. Families are falling apart; churches are splitting; businesses are failing; governments and the armed forces are in turmoil; the political dimension within many educational institutions is intolerable; and, there is controversy within CAL-MOAA.

There are those who suggest that the Council represents an important voting block and therefore valuable to National MOAA’s lobbying efforts and outcomes. It should continue and be strengthened.

Others, however, say the Council has no viable reason for being, no real mission, no solid purposes that would justify its continued life. It should be closed down.

Some say the upcoming Rally 2006 is a pivatol event, one which will decide the future of the Council, whether it continues in present form or at all. As we entered into the early debates, we observed certain interpersonal difficulties being manifested. And now there is concern that this and other issues will cause our personal relationships to go north or south, depending on how we manage our affairs.

It’s important to remember that we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. It is a time to exercise extreme care. So here, at risk, are some summary thoughts:

Selfishness destroys relationships. We are living in a self-absorbed society, with to a significant extent a self-centered population with a “me” orientation. As the song said, “I want it my way.” What causes fights and quarrels? We constantly seem to want something but don’t get it. As Council members we need to look out for our own interests, but also the interests of others. Selflessness builds relationships. As John Sammons is quick to say, “We need to do more for others.”

Pride destroys relationships. We have a lot of work to do. Phelps has been working particulary hard on convention planning, and some things have gone well and some not so well. Pride only breeds quarrels. The prideful individual is one who can’t say, “I was wrong,” or “I apologize.” It has been said that pride goes before destruction, before a fall. Humility builds relationships. Some perhaps need to reach a point they can say, “I’m sorry, I forgive you.” In some cases right now, it makes sense to give more honor to others than to yourself.

Insecurity destroys relationships. Many people have a concern about whether others will approve of them and their actions. As a result, they move through life acting out a part, wearing a mask, not showing true self, being phony. Perhaps they are people who at some point, certainly expected, who have been rejected and suffering hurt. They’re not living, just existing. The fear of human opinion disables many. Brotherly love builds relationships. Rally 2006 will be a great opportunity to step out in love, with no fear, and really make some acquaintances and new friends.

Resentment destroys relationships. Face it, some things have happened; there have been some incidents. It’s only human that from time to time we will hurt others and in turn we will be hurt. It might be natural to develop resentment, lashing out at the source of the hurt. But it’s senseless and ignorant. Bitterness quickly destroys; a bitter root will rise up and cause all kinds of trouble. Forgiveness builds relationships. There might be good reason for resentment. The wrong perhaps is justified. The hurt is real and cannot be minimized. But the secret to success is to let go of the grudge, let go of the pain; otherwise, the misery will continue into the indefinite future. Forget it and go on with life.

The 2006 annual meetings are critical and will take the sober consideration of all decision-makers to guarantee success. We need to approach Sacramento with clean hearts and minds, carrying no interpersonal baggage. The literal future of the Council depends on the health of our interpersonal relationships.

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