Blog 1979 – 02.24.2021

Charlotte’s Web – Chapter 18

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3WVWpZrCbkORQrLIK3HquPFgLs5q4H9/view?usp=drivesdk

Charlotte’s Web – Chapter 18

“In the cool of the evening” is a phrase that invokes many pleasant memories for me. It brings to mind a song that refers to the Bible story of creation and the wonderful walks and talks that the first man Adam had with his creator in the garden. Many years later the second man Adam slipped away from his fans and compatriots to have evening conversations with his God we are told. I am more of a morning person, but to each his own.

One does not have to be schizophrenic or part of a divine Trinity necessarily to carry on a conversation with oneself. One comedian remarked that sometimes you just have to talk to yourself to find some interesting and intelligent conversation.

Funny man singer, Ray Stephens, recorded a Christian album of songs called Turn Your Radio On and on that album included the song, Have A Little Talk With Myself. Whether you choose the cool of the evening, early in the morning before sunrise, both, or noon, having a little talk with yourself can be as calming as it is an enlightening thing. Many people, I fear, are not on speaking terms with God, there neighbors, nor themselves having avoided the conversation too long.

Men we are told, more so than women, have problems with relationships. The wrong-headed notion that standing alone and apart is somehow heroic is a silly stereotype. And as Mama says in the book and movie, The Shack, “Love was always meant to be in relationship,” hence my favorite of all commandments, the three in one that covers all:

“The first commandment is that you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and the second is like it, love your neighbor, as you love yourself.”

Sneaky they way Jesus slipped in that third commandment which despite the order is as good a place to start as any. “As you love yourself” is an essential ingredient to any healthy relationship. How can we expect to love God or our neighbor if we do not love ourself? All the Universe around us is but a reflection of who we are. What is not to love? Those more unlovely seeming reflections are merely challenges to look deeper and to love deeper. I wholeheartedly agree with Ray, I think it’s just about time that we had that little talk we’ve been avoiding. Frankly, we are just not that different.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B9548oPxbhvxK_aXOdIuvGIcithksdad/view?usp=drivesdk

Not That Different