Natural disasters, financial collapse, emerging diseases and war all permeate our daily news. It is truly right out of Biblical prophecy. Not that we haven’t been through it before, as our grandparents could attest from the 20s and 30s. Today’s hurricanes are yesterday’s dust bowls. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus has replaced polio. The Great Depression of 1929 has reemerged as the collapse of major financial institutions, devaluation of the dollar and perhaps another impending depression. As I look back at history, and how our ancestors coped with these tumultuous times, I see a problem. In the early 1900s, people coped by embracing the comfort of their family and friends. Many folks lived in small towns where everybody knew everybody. If there was a need, it was met by the community, not a government program. In 1910, the divorce rate was 10 percent, now it is 50 percent. Many of today’s families are disenfranchised, disjointed and dysfunctional. The risk of legal actions and punitive regulation has taken the color from our collective palette and turned us into a cowering, vindictive culture. We live in a society of fear and isolation.

To my initial frustration and now resignation, I have determined I cannot change the world, or its deficiencies. I am determined to adapt but not compromise. One of my adaptations is a commitment to “nest.” I predict that nesting will be the latest, albeit not new, phenomenon. During the hard times, our forefathers nested. Nesting is creating a controlled environment around your home, family and close friends. It is creating an atmosphere of comfort and security. It is a refuge from the world and potentiates opportunity to reconnect with what is most important: God, family and friends. The centerpieces of the nest are love and trust. In a world where you can trust few, and where the dispassionate rule over those who care, we can find our refuge in our nest.

The epicenter of the nest is the home place. Whether it is rented or owned, apartment, trailer or house, it is the place where you commune, eat and sleep. The home has structure and hierarchy.

It should be a place of consistency and peace. It is where meals are eaten together and memories are shared. The evening meal is a time to share stories, laugh, and catch up on the day’s events. Televisions, video games and cell phones are silenced. Relationships and communication are nurtured. Outdoor activities are events, not duties. Celebrations are memorialized in photos. Games are played and puzzles are constructed. Laughter permeates the air. At night, when our heads are rested on our pillows, we are wrapped in the security of our nest and our thoughts drift to the hope and promise that tomorrow brings.

Sometimes, out of the toughest circumstances come the best opportunities. If you are feeling helpless and overwhelmed, consider nesting. Remember, nests are built meticulously, and are protected vehemently. We are a society desperately in need of community. Community is built on relationships and trust that are started in the nest. It is infused with common courtesy. As we “re”-build our families, so our society will be restructured. The power is ours; we must make the right choice. Make today the day that you are going to make your nest. Your children will perpetuate your influence and example when they make their nests. You and those you love will be forever grateful.

Until next time, live well and Happy Holidays and a very joyous New Year!