OM

Giving Thanks and Living for Good
Morning Muse from Futurepeak

The first thoughts in my mind this morning pictured a bike-pedaled-parent-pumping-swing-ride for kids that I saw at the Maker Faire last summer. Green technology, and blissed out kids, I think of it as a great metaphor for the ideal life.

There were four parents riding four bikes attached to four spokes of a very large gear in the center. The gears powered the hub of a sort of umbrella contraption which had swings on chains at the end of crane arms, and it all circled round like a merry go round. The smiles on those kids flying in their swings, plus the not always smiling faces of their parents powering their flight... all I can say is unforgettable.

For me, this is a symbol of the kind of philanthropy the web can empower. We can put a few strong people together, and that can help their favorite free riders to have a really positive experience. It is not charity, although it is a gift. It is a loving way to bring joy to others, but it takes a bit of work. That work is easier with the help of others. There is a match between people who are willing to be strong together for a good cause, and people who may grow into the next generation of strength.

There are no strings attached in this symbol, as the parents are willing to power the ride in faith that their efforts will benefit the children. And the children are free to be ungreatful in the long run, but we hope that the joy of the memory will be part of their own wisdom; And when they grow up, they will choose in a loving way to take their turns on the parental seats.