Guest Commentary: The best we can do, let's be kind

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Life is short. The best we can do, is the best we can do. If we are doing our best, then what more can we expect from ourselves and others? Most people are doing the best they can with the information and abilities they have.

There are some things we can change and some things we can’t. Learning to adjust or adapt with what we have and who we are often takes some time and effort. We are all born some place to someone. Some of us are raised with less than others and some of us are raised with more than others. Many have a lot to overcome to merely survive in life while others seem to have it easy.

Academics appear to come easier for some people while others have to study diligently just to make a passing grade. Some are lucky in life while others don’t seem so lucky.

One of my dear friends is a multi-millionaire. He has a great house, wife and business galore. Over the last few years a young son was killed in a car wreck. A daughter was killed in a wreck and another died from natural causes. Many who don’t know the tragedies and heartache that he has experienced assume that his life is great and free from pain. I know he would trade everything he has to have his children back with him. He continues to get up in the morning. He is still involved in his business, cares for his wife and cherishes his one remaining daughter. However, life is not as it may seem to some.

Another dear friend has prospered with a large family and a successful business. His life looked good until you get to know him better. One of his sons committed suicide in front of him a couple of years ago. Another son recently died in an accident. Within weeks of his son’s accident, a grandson was killed in a car wreck. His pain is great. He goes through the motions day by day trusting God with his life and remaining children. It is difficult to understand why his family has suffered so much in recent days. Tears flow when he begins to talk about what his family has suffered.

Life is not so easy to figure out. We think we have the answers and then later in life realize we don’t know much at all. We thought we had life all figured out when we were very young but throughout the years life throws things at us that we can’t possibly see coming.

Today, let’s all consider others. Be kind to our neighbors, acquaintances and people we meet along the way. A lot of people are hurting from disease, death, unemployment, life’s tragedies and more. Don’t judge people by their appearances or their mistakes. Life is not only filled with good, but often pain that most never see.

What life seems to be and what life actually is are rarely the same.

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Photo Gallery: Unity beats SJO at home, 33-8

6-foot-2, 225-pound lineman Karson Richardson puts his shoulder into St. Joseph-Ogden's Jack Setterdahl while playing during the second half of their conference football game at Hicks Field. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Unity receiver Tyler Hensch and quarterback Blake Kimball celebrate a touchdown against visiting St. Joseph-Ogden on Friday. The Rockets beat the Spartans in Illini Prairie Conference action, 33-8. Next up, Unity travels to Illinois Valley Central to take on the Grey Ghost on Friday. Click here to see more photos from this game. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

After he is flushed out of the backfield on his team's second snap of the game, Rocket QB Blake Kimball jets down the north sideline on his way to a 72-yard, first quarter touchdown. Kimball finished the night with 104 yards on nine carries and scored again later Unity's home game against the Spartans. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Rockets' Austin McDaniel cools off during a timeout against the Spartans. The senior defensive lineman veteran experience was crucial to his team ability to hold SJO to just 125 rushing yards. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

St. Joseph-Ogden quarterback Evan Ingram looks down field to throw a long pass during the second half. Ingram finished the night completing 5 of 14 passes for 32 yards against the host Rockets. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Quarterback Blake Kimball is brought down by St. Joseph-Ogden's Bryson Helfrich on Unity's first offensive play in the first quarter during the Rockets' home game on Friday, September 3. On the next play Kimball dashed down the field to score the first of the team's five touchdowns. Unity went on to improved to 2-0 record after beating the visiting Spartans, 33-8. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

SJO's Owen Birt leaps into action in an attempt to block a Unity extra point attempt in the fourth quarter. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Members of the Unity Dance Team entertain spectators while performing during halftime. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

A member of the Unity marching band's flag corp twirls her flag around shoulders during Friday night's halftime performance. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Together with Sophia Stierwalt to her left, Drum Major Elise Johnson lead the Unity Rocket Marching Band during their halftime presentation. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

A horn player marches with Unity marching band while playing the bands rendition of a Stevie Wonder tune during halftime. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Justice Wertz sheds a Unity tackler while trying to get the ball out of the SJO backfield during the fourth quarter. Wertz, a 5'-9', 135-pound running back, finished the road game with 9 yards after two touches on Friday. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Austin Cotter tries to work his way past Unity's Karson Richardson during the second half of their game. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Unity senior Nate Nosler and a teammate wrap up St. Joseph-Ogden ball carrier Keaton Nolan. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

After breaking away from would be tacklers Rowan Musselman and Alex Funk from St. Joseph-Ogden, Unity's Haidyn Hendricks picks up a few more yards on the fourth quarter play. Hendricks finished the game with a net 14 yards in his team's second home game of the season. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

SJO's Bryson Helfrich moves to block a Unity lineman. In search of their first win of the season, Helfrich and the Spartans will host Prairie Central this coming Friday.(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Finding a bit of green turf open, St. Joseph-Ogden's Keaton Nolan makes a quick cut to take advantage of the hole in Unity's defense. Nolan finished the game with 14 receiving-yards and 45 on his ground attack. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)