photo by: Journal-World Photo Illustration

Lawrence Journal-World Editorial

Regardless of your religious beliefs, Easter can be a beautiful season. It often coincides with the time that both temperatures and the landscape begin to change for the better.

But beyond Mother Nature’s reminders of rejuvenation, the Easter season also gives us an opportunity to think about rejuvenation and new beginnings in our broader world. For example, what could each of us do to help bring about a new beginning in these three critical areas?

• An improvement in the tone of discourse involving all matters political and partisan. Too many of us — both leaders and lay people alike — are no longer responsible members of society when it comes to treating those who are on the opposite side of an issue with respect.

• A consensus on a vision for what Lawrence should become. The community has long struggled with what identity it wants to adopt, what competitive advantages it should take advantage of, and simply how big of a city it wants to become. City and county leaders need to work better together, and the leaders at the University of Kansas seem disengaged.

• How to combat violence and its causes and aftermath in our community? Whether it be the triple homicide on the public sidewalks of downtown Lawrence or the amount of gun incidents involving high school students, it is frightening.

Granted, this is probably not the triumvirate of topics to bring up at today’s Easter dinner table. For one, any hope of progress on these issues will take considerable thought and deliberation, probably more than can be given between the passing of the ham and the gravy.

But more importantly, if at all possible, today is a great one to set aside for family and friends and enjoyment of the blessings of life. We are guaranteed nothing, yet so many of us still have so much.

Best wishes for a peaceful and joyous day and a Happy Easter.