Why do I feel vaguely uncomfortable? I think your description of the busyness we create for ourselves is right on. I agree with your observation that many of us feel overwhelmed by so much suffering and I myself feel inadequate in my small attempts to make things better. The prayer "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference" comes to mind. Thank you for the prodding.