Bozho
(Hello),
As life goes on and we have all experienced the first month of 2018, we know it will conclude just as 2017 and the many years before.
I remember my mother said, “Just wait until you get older and you will watch the roller coaster of time take effect.” As we do with most advice when we are young, I threw it away as an opinion. I couldn’t believe this was a true statement.
While talking to my students in their 20s or 30s, I hear them say, “I am young, and I have a lot of time.” My response has always been to have them realize what time is and what it isn’t.
My next comment would be, “OK, let’s take the last 20 years you have lived, or 30, whichever the case may be, and look back over the last 30 years. Tell me, as you look back, how fast did that go?”
“Good, now take that same amount of time and put it on the other side.”
“Now, how old are you?”
The point isn’t to frighten anyone but to wake them up! Their widened, fear-stricken eyes tell you they got it.
There are others who would say there is no time. You only have the moment you are sitting in, and that is your life moment to moment. We are all so preoccupied we lessen the value of what is right in front of us. The mind is on what happened yesterday or anticipating tomorrow.
We can learn from everyone. They have a lesson to learn and one to teach. You spend your life being one or the other. If you are still here, you are learning and teaching. You have a way to go. Hopefully through it all, we grow as individuals and become better people.
Now, “better” has nothing to do with your wallet. I am referencing the inside, not the outside. There is absolutely no sin in being successful both ways, but you can’t take it with you, and it doesn’t store the warm memories we would all like to leave this earth with.
On the other hand, my grandfather used to say, “Yeah, well try and go somewhere without it.” We would then laugh, but the statement is also true. This all brings me around to the years that have passed in my life and the learning experiences with which I have been blessed.
There have been great times, good times, blessed moments, and, on the other side of the mountain, tears.
My experiences with Citizen Potawatomi Nation, first as a Regional Director then carrying on as District 5 legislator, have absolutely been some of my greatest treasures in service. I hope to continue serving District 5 as I have for the past 18 years.
The time we have all talked about is coming full circle for me and others who have represented their districts well. Election time!
So, what I want to say to you is there will be many qualified candidates on the ballots this year, and it is important you take the time to vote for your person. It is with this democratic process that you can serve your tribe, community and country.
We know the numbers lessen each year on the federal and state levels. Let’s not let that happen to CPN. Talk to your candidates, whoever you might choose, at any level. Ask your questions and share your concerns. Then vote your choice.
This will be your contribution to your people. If you don’t know, ask.
In the meantime, I hope you have made it through the first month with all your New Year’s resolutions intact. Keep up the good work.
Love you all.
Eunice Imogene Lambert
Representative, District 5
480-228-6569
euniceilambert@gmail.com