In Peace, Cast Your Vote

1. Polarized describes the state of this world in which we live.
2. Divisive is a word completely in line with the most common social media proclamations.
3. Separation posits an element of speech indicating relationship dissolution as a result of the two predecessors above.

It's no secret that these few words are interrupting civilized and loving conversations.  It is equally obvious that avoiding the topics of viruses, race, and politics proves impossible.

I was blessed with a 2-hour conversation yesterday.

I find it difficult to believe that I wrote that last sentence based on the introduction to this piece but it's absolutely true.  This dialogue revealed a vaporous objective that seemed beyond reach just a few days before. 

Wet Pants and Virtue

"Come with me to a third-grade classroom. There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat."

When This Happens, I Stop Everything

I was thinking yesterday that I have nothing to write this week.  I confess to being a bit depleted.  The pandemic has isolated me as well as most of you.  The goal of these offerings is shortchanged for lack of environment. How can one ‘EXPLORE what it means to live in Christ’ when the only thing noticeable is the matted pathways of the worn-down living room carpet?  (Ok - I could probably make something out of that.  Another day, perhaps.)

Even though we are beginning to circulate more, it’s clearly not the same.  Public expeditions are stiff and uncomfortable.  We back-off rather than embrace. Hesitation conquers advancement.  Yesterday’s full-steam-ahead is vanquished as we now tread lightly. 

But, as often happens, something happens!  

Signs of Wonder

 

There are a couple of YouTube sites that entertain with short videos of funny placards found displayed on road signs, billboards, restaurants, and even churches.

Laughing is good for the soul – and the mind and body as well.

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Luke 6:21

Life Is Very Short (The Beatles)

It's all about me.  

It's about how I feel.  

It's about how I want things to be.  

It's about how I understand things.  

It's about - ME.  

Pay attention! I want you to hear me because - I. Want. You. To. Hear. Me. Period!

I know what I'm talking about and if you can't spend a few minutes silently listening, well we're just not going to get along very well.

No?  Okay, fine. 

Go ahead and talk until you're blue in the face!  

Talk until you run out of air! 

Type until your fingers fall off!