The World According to Steve

It came to my attention a few days ago how much our society has in common with one of children's televisions biggest stars. On my son's first birthday his Uncle Scott lovingly purchased him an Elmo Live doll that sings, dances, and entertains young children along with annoying exhausted parents equally for hours on end.

I never noticed before, but it is clear now that Elmo constantly calls himself by his own name and puts himself first. Examples: "Elmo is here everybody, Elmo thinks it is time for a nap, Elmo loves this game, Elmo wants to tell you a story". You get the idea. I think that is a good metaphor for how many of us go throughout our day. Our growing society has gotten so used to things being done for us, that now we either expect it to be that way or we even demand it be done our way. I think that instills a sense of entitlement and therefore we never attempt to put others first.

I stand up and admit that is my way of thinking from time-to-time as well. I am not immune to those selfish thoughts either, although I like to think I am different or more like Ernie. Although annoying and with a questionable fashion sense, at least Ernie is concerned often about his buddy Bert and puts others before himself.

I won't draw this out any more than it needs to be, because you probably get the point and this isn't meant to be some deep philosophy - just a perspective I stumbled upon. Besides Uncle Scott is here - we are going to the Indiana/Minnesota basketball game. Finally, I love that little red monster as much as the next guy, but remember when you hear La La La La, La La La La...Elmo's World - make sure you work hard to put someone else FIRST so that we can all share this world together. This world doesn't belong to us anyway - we didn't make, so we can't claim it. Enjoy the free ride.