Editorial June 24, 1985 Issue

Etc.

ALLISON W. PHINNEY, JR.

Why would anyone write an editorial called "Etc."? Because so much of human experience seems to fall into the "et cetera" category. There are, of course, those great topics of concern to all, like love for God and love for one's neighbor, healing, and immortal life. But then there is always et cetera! You know, all that small stuff, too minor to include in a detailed listing, the kind of thing you may not spend time praying about. Dictionaries define it as "and others [of a similar sort]" or "and the rest."

Generally, these are things we leave to work out as best they can, after we've put our effort into the major things. Or we may simply feel that not much can be done about them anyway. Perhaps they include some obligatory telephone conversations, certain dinners one has to attend, and minor inabilities or dislikes.

Some people's et cetera category may be larger than others! Actually, the smaller your category, the larger your sense of life—life which isn't lifeless or aimless but alive and full of meaning.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Thoughts that reflect light