On standing...

On standing. . .

My job requires a lot of standing. Dressed in a suit and tie, I stand in the back, by the doors, or in the foyer, where I can give assistance if needed. Sometimes, I stand off to the side while the services are going on. At these times, I feel as I am on sentry duty, as if in the military. I pretend that my dark suit, is a military dress uniform. I have a solemn duty: to stand guard and to honor.

Generally, I do not mind. However, I am not as disciplined as the military. I cannot stand still like a statue for long periods of time. My mind and body wanders.

I begin to think about people who do a lot of standing for their work. There seems to be a division between those whose work requires much standing, and those whose work requires much less. Who then are the “standers”? 

At the top of this list are those in the military, especially those in sentry posts who I pretend that I am emulating. Other “standers” are teachers and coaches, nurses and doctors, farmers, security guards, factory workers and salespeople including cashiers.

What do they have in common?

They all are in positions of service. Regardless of whether the job is directly involved with caring for people such as nurses and teachers, or more indirectly such as salespeople, cashiers and farmers, their work requires movement and closeness.  Physical strain is an everyday occurrence.

Most of the “standers” are not thinkers; they are doers. They do not sit behind a desk, or in front of a computer, but rather are out and about doing their jobs. Jobs that are to be done in all types of conditions, and too often without thanks, for these are the overlooked positions. Not glamorous out of the lime-light, those who stand provide the basic services and tasks that are needed.

Standing requires being present.  As kids we were taught to stand at attention. You cannot “phone it in"; you actually have to be there, and do the task.

I am also reminded that many people cannot stand. Their health will not allow it. I think that most people who are confined to a bed or a wheelchair, who are racked by arthritis or Parkinson’s would like to be able to stand. Perhaps I should see it as a blessing: a small sign that I am healthy.

It is in little things that I find understanding. Standing is often overlooked. It is a little thing, yet it means a lot. It means that I am present, and that I am healthy. Next time our legs get sore and we become restless, we need to remember that standing is a good thing . . . but then, so is sitting, especially after a long day of standing. That is a gift in itself!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark and Cold

Dark and Cold

Dark and cold: these words describe December. Weather changes into gray miserable days. No wonder there has been winter celebrations since days of old. People need relief from the gloominess.

 

Dark and cold: these words depict for many, their life. Existence has become difficult. With neither money nor friends happiness seems elusive.  People need a relief from their oppression.

 

Dark and cold: these words define our humanity. The world is in disarray. War has become familiar. People need a relief from its conflicts.

 

Yes, we live in a world that is dark and cold.  Our pain is real. We hurt and cry. 

But take comfort. Something is afoot. 

Look a tiny bud is blooming. Hear a happy baby coo. Feel a lighted fire.

 Small things break through.

Suddenly it is not as dark. Suddenly it is not as cold. Suddenly we have found relief.

Darkness. . .

Coldness. . .

Give way to relief --if we look for the small things.

 

 

 

 

On Positive Writing

On positive writing

Write something positive, I am told. Everything you write is dark and negative.

I am positive, I can. I said, for I am a positive person.

But, I am also a realist. I see things that are askew.

Life is complex. I sigh.

I work to pay bills, but bills are never paid.

I pray for peace, yet look to war.

 

True, those are real events. Things happen. Bills are due. People fight.

Yet isn’t there sunshine. Isn’t there laughter.

 

Sunshine brings bugs, and bugs sting and bite.

As for laughter what is funny? Everyone is sensitive. Everyone is touchy

 

Ok then but what about the dog?

The dog is happy.

The dog is happy, because the dog is fed, is safe and has no worries.

Besides, isn’t it sad when I leave?

 

Yet, it survives.

See, it recline on the couch, its paws strechted out. It cares not that you fret. It cares not that you have no money, or that you have had a bad day.

It is happy.

I look. I see my dog. It is asleep. It looks peaceful

I relax and look closer. That bill that I have to pay looks smaller than before. I want to nap---with my dog

I lay down. Dog comes. Licking begins. Tail wags.

Dog is happy.

Dog makes me happy.

Good dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never

Never

 

When I was young

It seemed that I would never get to drive

It was all that I thought about.

 

When I was in school

It seemed that I would never get finished

It was all that I thought about

 

When I was single

It seemed that I would never get married

It was all that I thought about

 

Now I have a car

And a diploma

And a spouse

I never thought I would

 

Often it seems as if “never” will never come

But it always does

Just never when we want it to

 

Compare

COMPARE

 

I don’t like to do it,

But it comes naturally

I see this and want that

I compare.

 

I want to stand out

I want to “be me”

But, can I be different

If I need to compare?

 

Is it right?

Is it wrong?

I don’t want really want what they have

Do I?

 

Envy, Jealously, Want,

These are a part of me

It all seems innocent

As one child staring at the other’s toy

 

Which is better?

Which is worse?

Is it mine, or is it yours?

Lo! Each one is unique.

 

But as I watch them

I cannot become me

For if I am not them

Then I do not need to compare!

 

I want to shine

I want to be known

I want to make my own way

I don’t need to compare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Things

                                                                  Small things:         

Thirsty Lizard

Today I saw my first thirsty lizard! I had never seen a lizard drink.  It was a magical peaceful, moment.

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              The sun shone brightly off the pond behind our apartment. Despite the summer heat, a pleasant breeze made the screened-in back porch comfortable. Nearby ducks searched the grass for food as squirrels chased each other between the trees. Everything seemed alive and fresh—the green grass, the clear water and the blue sky.  Here, surrounded by nature I liked to read.

Suddenly I noticed four potted plants resting upon the window ledge. One was dead; another had been overrun by weeds. Just two were alive, but they needed water. Grabbing a nearby jug, I decided to water those plants. It was the least I could do.

Soon a tiny pond formed at the base of these pots. I stopped pouring for I did not want water to spill over the ledge. From behind the plants, a small lizard—an anole—popped out of hiding. At about two inches long, it could easily have hidden between the plant and the window screen.

I had to watch. Somehow I had the feeling that an event was about to occur. Slowly, cautiously the anole crept to the edge of the water. It extended its neck, and reaching down, began to drink, as ripples vibrated.

For that moment everything seemed to stop. This little creature was thirsty, and, for a brief time, let its guard down. The potted plants, the ledge, and the window screen created a little world of safety and serenity for the anole. For it, this was an oasis. After a few seconds it had its fill. The anole turned around and quickly slithered behind the plants, and back to safety.

It was such a small and simple act—an ordinary ritual. Yet there was a beauty, as this made life seem in harmony. Ducks were waddling, squirrels were scampering to and fro, as this little lizard took a drink.

 Once again small things provided a glimpses of truth: life has a design. It has a purpose. Everything is interconnected—the water, the plant, the anole and myself. We all are but bit players in the cosmic play.

I felt connected, and at peace.  I returned to my book.

 

 

 

Between a rock and a hard place:

 

A reflection on conflict

Conflict is universal.  The desire to live peacefully is challenged daily by both internal and external forces.  To live ethically means putting the needs of others into consideration. This occurs on the international scale, as in the plight of refugees, and it happens on a personal scale, such as on the job. It is common to be pulled in two opposing directions.  For example, a co-worker may want your assistance with a particular project, while at the same time someone else, be it another co-worker, a boss, or a customer, asks for you to take on a different task. Thus we are often between “a rock and a hard place”, amid two difficult solutions. Conflict therefore is bound to ensue.

These decisions are made in the moment. They cannot be deferred. In situ, we live. We cannot see the whole, and even what we do see; we often wrongly interpret.  Einstein has been quoted as having said, “The more I know, the more I know I don’t know.” That has always stayed with me.  Even with the best of knowledge, humility reminds us that we actually know little.

The only choice for peace, it appears would be to live with the choices that one makes. Autonomy and forgiveness must play a role. To have the option and power to make decisions while also recognizing the unintended consequences and limitations that those decisions make, is, it seems the essence of a moral life. When between a rock and a hard place, we need to brace for an impact, then, after the conflict has ended, forgive, make peace and move on. Nothing else will do.

 

 

Today!

 

Possibly my favorite all time song is “Today”. It is a folk song made famous by John Denver—though it was written by Randy Sparks of the New Christy Minstrels. In 1964 it became a hit.

Easily sung, this song has a simple message: that this day—today—is to be our joy and our focus. Its repeated refrain, “ a million tomorrows will all pass away, ‘ere I forget all the joys that are mine today,” is a line that needs remembering. Let the problems of the past not rob us of our ability to experience the joy of a new day.

It is often difficult to remain focused on today, as fears, hopes and aspirations compete for attention. Things need to be planned for. Problems need to be processed. These take time.

We live in a society where it is very hard to relax and “live in the moment”. The fast paced world of jobs, technology and obligations leave little time for reflection and contentment.

What if others complain? What if they “get ahead” in life, or at work?

Comparing ourselves to others seems to be our curse, for there is always someone who “has it all together”; who is farther along in their career or family life. We are taught to “be all that we can be”—as an old Army commercial implored. More is always needed. More is just ahead. It is our destiny.

We are afraid to let go. Afraid that, if we do then nothing will get done. Others will be disappointed. We may even end up as a bum—with no friends, no home and no purpose.  That will never do.

So we worry and fret. Paralyzed with anxiety we seek only to endure the day. Escaping to the warm glow of the computer screen, we play our games, and try to forget.

Yet peace eludes.

But the song interrupts;  “Today is my glory. . . I’ll laugh, and I’ll cry and I’ll sing.”

With that revelation we can live. The future is coming. The past is gone. All we have is “now”.

It is enough.

 

Someone is better

Life teaches lessons we may not want to hear.  To discover that someone is better, for a competitive person, is difficult to grasp. This seems especially true when the other person seems to be getting all the luck.

I like to think of myself as an easy going person. I know that I am not that good at mechanical tasks, like fixing the car, or other typical “guy” jobs. I know that I at a loss when I need to do basic home repairs.

This does not bother me, for I have rationalized that my gifts are different. I see myself as a scientist, theologian, and artist. I enjoy studying the world, and, using my creativity, to write about it, often from a spiritual vantage point. I like to follow Descartes advice, “ I think therefore, I am”. Thinking and writing about faith and culture is what I do.

So, when I see a blog or a webpage where someone is doing that, I admit that I get anxious. Sometimes when I hear someone on television talking about such topics, I wish that I could do that.

But I do not know how to get known. Often it seems that I can write and post ideas on my blog, and make cogent comments on social media threads, to no avail.

I try to be patient—and persistent believing that if I continue along this path, someday life will change.  But, then I hear someone talk about a topic that I feel passionately about!

I wonder was there something that they did that got them on the air, or on a successful webpage. Some have written books. That, I can understand for it seems natural: you write a book and, if its good, people will read it and then want you to discuss it.

But others have not achieved that fame. Instead they went to a top school like Harvard or Yale. Others seem to get to those positions because they knew someone. I know that this is the reality, and that those people have the right to do what they did.

But it bothers me. I can do what they are doing. But they had all the breaks.

I begin to get jealous, then sometimes, I go into despair. “After all”, I say, “I will not be able to have those connections.”

I must let these feelings go. Someone may be better than me. I need to allow that to be ok.

I have always liked to be different. I have quirks and a unique point of view. But, what if I am not unique enough?

What if that person does a better job at getting their message across?

I have to come to peace with that. I need to do what I do—and not worry what the outcome will be. If I no one ever reads my posts or likes my ideas . . . if I can never make a career from writing, then what. . . .

I do not know. It will be hard. But, I must allow someone else to be better—at least at this stage.

I think therefore, I am. . so I must continue, come what may.

 

 

Perspective on Greece

The financial crisis in Greece has caught the attention of newsmakers and pundits. There is much uncertainty, as that nation moves toward bankruptcy and insolvency. At issue are the effects that this will have on the world financial markets, and especially the EURO—the common currency of Europe, as well as that nation’s continued participation within the European Community.

Blame and uncertainty abounds. For some, the collapse of the Greek economy signifies that socialism does not work; while for others the failure is due to a lack of commitment and dedication of the Greeks themselves, suggesting that the Greeks are lazy and unwilling to work.

Missing from most discussions, however,  is a recognition of the uniqueness of Greece and Greek culture. Though Greek civilization is among the world’s oldest and has greatly contributed to Western ideals, it has nonetheless remained seemingly on the periphery of modern Europe. It was not a major player in the great conflicts of the 20^th century, nor has it provided leadership to its continental neighbors. Instead, it has  preferred to remain secluded, nestled, for much of the past century between the politically democratic and  open West, and the autocratic and closed East. 

Although the cold war is past, and the delineation between western capitalism and eastern socialism have become less visible Greece is still, largely on the outside. Despite the zeal to unify the economies of Europe through the creation of the Euro and the European Zone,  Greece  remains  culturally different, from the rest of Europe.  Three main aspects of Greek life together create and foster a nation that remains distinct from its continental neighbors.

One of the first things that most people notice about Greece is that their alphabet. All of its neighbors, though speaking different languages, use one of two transnational alphabets: the Roman or the Cyrillic. The Roman alphabet is among the most used in the world, and in Europe, where it was created, it has become the national alphabet for Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, and Polish among others. Likewise, for those travelling east, the Cyrillic alphabet, based in Russia, and used within its satellite nations is commonplace. Thus for most of Europe, rudimentary communication between nation is possible.

Not so in Greece. No other nation uses that alphabet except Cyprus—where it has dual national status with Turkish, another Roman-based language. This means that those who want to trade with or visit Greece must overcome this additional obstacle, for upon looking at Greek all they see are unreadable symbols. And although it creates unity within the Greek populace, it also makes it more difficult for Greek students to learn another language, for in addition to vocabulary and grammar, they must learn a new alphabet.

But language is only one problem. The physical terrain is also daunting. Eighty percent of the nation is mountainous. Less than 20% of land is arable, so large scale farming is, for the most part prohibitive. The undulating typography continues to the coast. Unlike France and Italy, the coastline of Greece is rocky, with few good harbors. Islands are numerous making it difficult to move freely throughout the nation.

In addition to language, Greece has a religious tradition that is different than most of its neighbors. Greece is the only nation in which Orthodox Christianity is the official religion. Eastern Orthodox though popular in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia reaches its eastern terminus in Greece. Italy just across the Ionian Sea, is the center of Roman Catholicism and, by extension, Western Christianity. Turkey to the west is predominantly Islamic, as well as those nations across the Mediterranean Sea in Northern Africa. Thus the Balkan Peninsula lies at the crossroad between not only the Islamic and Christian worlds, but also between the Eastern and Western Christian rite.

For the Greeks these distinctives have provided security and a shared community as it has kept most enemies and immigrants out. It has resulted in one of the most ethnically homogenous nations, with over 90% of its residents identifying themselves as Greek. So while Greek identity remains high the terrain makes it less accessible to others. It is easy to point out these differences, and, when coupled with political and economic problems, creates a perception that they are not like the rest of the European Union.

 

 

 

 

 

Closure

About closure

(philosophy)

It is that time again: The end of a school year, the end of a business cycle, or the end of the day. Everything, at some point ends.

But the world has changed. It has become more complex, and with that complexity our concept of time has changed. Rarely does one event end before another begins. Rarely then, is closure experienced.

Some people seem to embrace this openendness, they thrive in the post-modern universe where nothing really ends or begins, but merely changes forms and conditions. This, they state is the new dynamic. Absolute certainty is impossible, and further, not even desired. In this paradigm religion is viewed as an anachronism—a homage to an earlier, simpler time. Science, with its inherent contradictions becomes the new source of knowledge.

Yet things still end. The school year comes to a close. For those who have reached the high end of school, a graduation ceremony announces to all that they have succeeded--that they can close that phase of their life. Likewise, those participating in sports recognize that there is a definite season for them to compete. If they are successful, they will be the last one standing at the end of that season—they would then have found closure, at least until the sport begins again.

However these events are not  really the end. Even if one has earned a doctorate, they can continue on with additional studies. Similarly, even if one wins the Super Bowl or the Stanley Cup, and becomes regarded as the champion, there is always the following sport season looming ahead. The cycle continues. Life time learners and life time athletes resist closure. But for others, those on a more ordinary path, things do tend to have an ending. They find, at least temporarily closure.

Yet there is one final closure that awaits everyone—death. With it there is no “next season”. Like a graduation ceremony, a funeral gives notice that one has succeeded in finding closure. Both observances announce to all that a life stage has ended.

Thus, despite the relativistic conclusion that nothing is final, all things come to an end. Science, with its open-ended approach has met that thing from which nothing goes beyond. Death, like a brick wall sealing off an escape tunnel, tells us that we can go no farther—at least in this mode.

There is a geography concerning closure, as it exists within a specific time and place. Graduation ceremonies occur at a predetermined times. The Super Bowl is played at the beginning of February, and the Stanley Cup makes it appearance in early June.

 It is basically the same with death. It occurs at a specific time and place—although usually the precise moment remains unknowable. That becomes problematic. Because death appears at random, and is so final, it brings out an anxiety that other events simply can’t.

Death brings about closure. There is no escaping it.

Usually a ceremony accompanies closure. The graduate wants to celebrate, reflect and fellowship with family and friends. Inversely, friends and family  of the deceased desire a ceremony  so that they can celebrate, reflect and support each other through fellowship. These ceremonies provide meaning. So,  on the same day that students march across a stage dressed in academic regalia to receive a diploma, pallbearers dressed in formal attire, march a deceased person into a chapel to receive a final blessing.

Closure puts things into context, it brings forth meaning. The response to closure does not appear to be based within science, but rather within religion.  With these ultimate experiences of life, meaning is sought. Here is the place at which religion can interconnect with those who are seeking. For it is through religious belief that the brick wall of death is overcome. Faith in God then becomes the antidote for the anxiety caused by both  open-endedness and closure.

 

 

 

Window Watcher

A poem

From the window I see her

Looking sad, big eyes focused ahead,

Hoping that someone would come, soon

 

She hears something and sits up straight

Could it be them?

Restlessness sets in, when will the door open?

 

Anticipation builds! Soon they will be here

But. . . wait

Nothing happened

It must’ve been someone else.

 

  When that idea sat in, she slumped

Down in the chair, turning from the window

The room was dark, and cold

Sadness returned as eyes forlorn become.

 

Evening sets in as shadows cast an eerie light

Her head is low

Her mind is blank

Wearily she stays awake, for what else is there to do?

 

Being forgotten is a terrible curse

The world moves on, and yet she remains

All alone, as if locked in time

She tries to remain “happy”, but slides into herself

 

 

Then, the sound, the great sound has come

The door has opened and all become as one

Happiness returns and with it comes hope

The weathered storm is over, peace now is the rule

 

Hugging and kissing those whom she loves

It is easy to see how alive she has become

No more slumping and sighing or wistfully thinking

Her family’s returned, now joy is at hand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sotto Voce

In music the Italian term “Sotto Voce”, is used to denote a softening of sound for effect. For example after a loud section is played, the conductor may tell the musicians to lower the volume or slow the rhythm. When this happens people notice, for the contrast is obvious and dramatic.

Though this term is used almost exclusively within music and the arts, I believe that it can be useful in describing the way that Christians should approach the world. Over 100 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt famously opined, “speak softly and carry a big stick”.  He was arguing for a “sotto voce” international diplomacy.

The world today is very loud and chaotic. Everywhere people yell, belittle and mock. Those with strong opinions are placed on television “news” shows where they argue their positions. Too often a shouting match ensues. Though people are free to disagree, the arguments are cast in such a light that the disagreeing person is deemed untruthful. Echo chambers are the result, as all those who agree on a certain policy or idea or placed on one side of the debate, and those on the other side are shut out of the conversation.

At the same time Christianity seems to be attacked with greater ferocity than it has in a long time. Across the world, Christians are witnessing the rise of a violent type of Islam leading to an increased intolerance and hostility.  Atheists, no longer content to remain in the background, have become more assertive of their rights. Even those who profess a belief in God often have become critical of the perceived injustices committed by Christians, who are now often seen as judgmental and intolerant. 

For the ground has now shifted. The default position in America—and really for most of the world—was that God existed and was interactive. This was understood, by us as referring to the Christian God. Billy Graham exemplified this ethos: Protestant, evangelical, scholarly in its use of reasoned arguments while not overly intellectual, but instead having a mass appeal that promoted personal responsibility and civic engagement.

That is no longer the case. Increasingly today traditional religion is viewed either suspiciously or anachronistically. From its long-established positions on marriage and family to its theocentric understanding of cosmology – which lies with conflict with the prevailing “climate change” debate— established religion in America seems to be imperiled.

With the constant bombardment of social media everyone has a voice. The helpful and uplifting is being heard alongside the hurtful and degrading. In such a reality, the loudest, strangest, and most assertive voices get noticed.

Yet there is another way—sotto voce!

As someone who easily feels overwhelmed, I know the benefit that quiet can bring. It can bring calmness and alleviate anxiety and tensions. It can help in procuring peace.

Sotto voce is more than just a way of talking. It is a way of living counter-intuitively: calm, intentional and full of humility. A sotto voce person seeks harmony, for they relish the simple and beautiful, in much the same way that young children view the world with awe and joyfulness.

A Sotto voce outlook seeks permanence, and so it is more attracted to the sounds of birds and puppies, as these will always remain, than to those of cars and machinery, for in time they will pass away.

Sotto voce is not passive. It does engage the world. Yet it does so, in its own way. Somehow though  its message is heard

The inner child

Gotta squelch the inner child, for all he wants to do is play.

Gotta tell him it’s time to work, that I am too old for his “rebellion”

Gotta send him away, locked in the inner room, so I can work, and be as a man.

But

I want to play with him

I want to run barefoot through the mud

 I want to see how far I can skip a stone across the pond

I want to hop, and skip and jump for no reason whatsoever.

I do not want to be a man!

 

All work and no play makes one a boring sot

Life is short, live hard.

That is what they all say

 

For

I live in a serious world.

I must buy food and pay for rent

I need to “accomplish” this and “succeed” at that

For such is my stated duty

 

Time is the great enemy

Before I know it, life has moved into adulthood

 Though I do not know what that means

I strive, but the path proves hard

 

The simple joys fade out of view

To be replaced by adult sophistication

 

So, with suit and tie and cramped dress shoes

I play the part,

I act as the man

Serious and mature,

 I act that role well

And, when my boss looks away

I think of my inner child and sigh