No knock on ‘would’

I wish I could bring peace to the world.

I wish I could provide my wife and each of my children with all they deserve. I wish I could bring to our community a state of the art library facility. I wish I could satisfy the wishes of every client and I wish I could remove disease from mankind and replace it with justice.

I wish I could do all that and a little bit more, but unfortunately I can't.

I can’t, and it makes me sad, frustrated, and sometimes forlorn. My only solace. and I like to think some solace for all those who would benefit if I could do all that I wish I could do, is that while I can’t ... I would if I could.

Indeed, in life there is all so very much we can’t do (and all too many whom we can’t help) yet it’s important to know in your own heart (and to let others know through your word and deed) that you would do (and help) some or all, if only you could, that the desire, the will, the interest and the inclination are all present, as is the attempt.

Children in particular need to know that while we can’t always do what’s needed, or accomplish which we should (or what they or we think we should) we nevertheless would, if we could, that we’re there for them in spirit, if not in person, and in (positive) person if not in (positive) result. We should strive to get an “A” in our “e” for effort, and be believed when we announce we really are “trying out best” and “doing our best” even if our “best” isn’t good enough.

No one can do it all, but all can give their all, and if at first we don’t succeed we can at least try and try and try and try, yet again!

Often, when at a given moment, selfish individuals, unforeseen circumstances, or a lack of time and resources prevent our doing what we should, an honest declaration that we would, if we could, becomes a pledge that if and when we can, we will! And such a pledge, such an affirmation, “I would if I could and I will when I can,” gives hope and sustains all those who rely upon us for action and results.

“I would if I could” validates the goal, leaves the door open and says that while now it’s impossible (or at least undoable) were the situation to change and enable and empower me and I could, I would, with enthusiasm, alacrity and joy.

“Would that I could” is a plaintive cry and an impotent whine, “I would if I could” is a statement of intent and commitment that elicits trust, faith and confidence.

Whether it’s generating world peace, providing creature comforts, building a warehouse for books,meeting one’s professional obligations, eradicating pestilence, ensuring universal fairness or just sowing up at a child’s recital or ball game or being there for a buddy, the next best thing to doing it is the assurance that you would if you could!

Sure, we admire and we’re grateful to those who can and do, but we respect and appreciate and love those who would if they could even when they don’t ‘cause they can’t.

In fact, the only ones who deserve out scorn and loathing are those who either as friend, relative or public servant should and could, but won’t. Those that are selfish or cruel or self-serving or corrupt in deed or motive must be brought to task by those who can, and by those who would if they could, and who someday soon ... will.

© Copyright © 2009 Ron Goldman

Ron Goldman is an attorney in private practice with offices in Cedarhurst and can be reached @ 1-800-846-9013