I think I want to be a Who. You know the ones from Whoville? I want to be like them. You might be wondering why, so let me explain. You know the story.

In the heart of Whoville, a tiny town nestled in the snowy embrace of the mountains, there resided a community known far and wide for their unyielding spirit and boundless joy. One fateful Christmas Eve, the Grinch, a grouchy creature with a heart two sizes too small, sought to steal their festive spirit. Sneaking into homes, he plundered presents and decorations, thinking he could extinguish their joy.

However, the Whos of Whoville, undeterred by the Grinch's malevolent act, gathered in the town square on Christmas morning. Their hearts might have been heavy with loss, but their voices soared, harmonizing in a song that resonated through the mountains. It was a melody of resilience, a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and a reminder that joy could not be stolen. The Grinch, listening from his hideout, was utterly perplexed.

The Whos sang not because of material possessions; their song emanated from a place deeper than any material wealth could reach. It sprang from their collective soul, a melody of unity, love, and community. In their song, there was a message, a powerful proclamation that happiness was a choice, a state of mind cultivated from within, independent of external circumstances.

This tale from Whoville teaches us a profound lesson about the resilience of the human spirit. It illustrates that in the face of adversity, our response defines us. The Whos could have succumbed to despair, mourning the loss of their presents, but instead, they chose to sing. Their song echoed not just in the snow-capped mountains but also in the hearts of everyone who heard their story.

In our own lives, we encounter Grinches in various forms—challenges, setbacks, and hardships that threaten to steal our joy. The Whos in Whoville remind us that even in the darkest of times, our inner light can shine brightly. Their song is a reminder that regardless of the circumstances, we can choose to sing, to celebrate life, and to spread love and joy.

In essence, the Whos in Whoville sang not in spite of the Grinch's theft but because of it. Their song became a beacon, illuminating the path to resilience, love, and unwavering joy. It is a melody that continues to inspire generations, teaching us that the truest and most enduring happiness comes from within, and no external force can ever truly steal our capacity to sing and celebrate life.

So, yes, I hope I can become more like a Who and live a life of joy. Will you be a Who, too?

THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF EVERYDAY AMERICA

Every once in a while, you get to have one of those experiences that brings a sense of refreshment and renewal that you weren't expecting.

Such was the case for me last Thursday. In something of an unusual suggestion from myself, I told my wife I wanted to go up to Rusty's Ranch House for dinner. Now, understand, I'm never hesitant to go to Rusty's, but it's always been kind of a treat night, like a weekend or special occasion, like a birthday. We always get a great meal there.

To go up on a regular old Thursday night was a bit out of the norm for us, but we pressed on. We got there a little before six, and there were a few diners but it was not very crowded. And I thought to myself, “it's Thursday, people are just trying to get to the weekend, so it could be a little slow.”

I couldn't help but to think back about another experience I had up at Rusty's a couple of years ago. It was when we were still in the throws of the pandemic. It could have been when some of the restrictions were being eased, but we were still being sternly warned to stay away from each other and you'd best have a mask on if you are in public.

Well, it was a Friday at that time, and we ventured up the Canyon to Rusty's. What I saw on that night those years ago was even better than the great meal we had. On that Friday, it was packed, people were laughing and socializing and just having joy in being with each other. And not a mask to be seen.

It was as if I had found my way back to America from whatever strange land I had been dwelling in for the last several months. And it felt great. And in the room that night there was a sense that you're just not going to beat us down.

Americans have a long history of bouncing back from adversity, whether it's economic recessions, natural disasters, personal setbacks, and yes pandemics. They have shown an ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.

So let's get back now to last Thursday.

I really have little, if anything to complain about in my life. But that won't stop me. Most of the day, I'm exposed to the media. And in that exposure, I'm constantly told just how miserable it is to be living in today's world. How many problems we face. How bad things are in the world today.

And then, as a bonus, I'm told that if I don't conform to all that I'm being told that I must do to remove the the stains of the world, it will be all my fault. Do you ever feel the same? After watching dour faced persons tell us the events of the day, do you ever feel like they are pointing a virtual finger of shame at us if we still find happiness?

I was kind of in that mindset when Noel came to take our order. She endured my lame dad joke, “can we call you the first,” and was so extremely pleasant. She made us feel so very welcome and was just as cheerful as could be.

The meal started coming our way, I was losing the gruffness I had from the media exposure of the day, and then there was one of those little everyday miracles that can lift a soul

America showed up, again. What had been a mostly open, uncrowded dining room once again, seemingly all at once, was packed. And you know what I saw people in the room doing? They were laughing and socializing and just having joy in being with each other. And they still weren't wearing masks.

I saw the indomitable spirit of everyday America.

The indomitable spirit of everyday America is the resilience, determination, resistance and perseverance exhibited by ordinary Americans in the face of adversity, challenges, and difficult circumstances. This spirit is often celebrated as a core aspect of the American identity and has been a defining characteristic of the country's history and its people.

So just a little advice to all those whose endless quest is to bombard us with tales of woe and misery. To those who spend their days and nights haranguing society that some how we must live our lives in drudgery and a degree of misery. For those who say we are sliding in to an un-ending state of dismalness.

Based on what I saw on a Thursday night at Rusty's in Cedar City, Utah, you haven't broken our spirits yet.

God willing, you never will.