Rocky found something on the
internet the other day that has haunted me. It is another of those anonymous
quotes, you know the kind…they are quite good and you wonder why no one takes
credit for them? Well here’s one from
that category:
“When
you don’t talk there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.”
This is accompanied by a photo of
gnarled roots growing above the soil of a very large tree. The image and the
quotation are well suited to one another. Together they impelled me to sit
quietly and think. On many occasions.
I’ve stared at a lot of sunrises
lately thinking on those words and image. Other favorite focal points are trees
with vibrant colors still glowing in the sunlight. Ideas are well sorted by
such views. Conclusions, though, come in spurts and not ones that have lasting
lives!
Not talking leads to two obvious
results: a hiding from spoken regrets or apologies that need to be shared with
the rightful person. This leads to a clearing of your mind at least, and
proffers a fresh start for the relationship that might be damaged otherwise. Of
course there is no guarantee that the other person will accept your regrets,
but that is his/her choice, not yours. You still have the green light to proceed
with or without the other person.
The second result from not speaking
your mind is a growing apart of two individuals. Without speaking fully of what
is on your mind the other is left in the dark and cannot fathom what’s on your
mind. And vice versa if you are both not speaking fully. One begets the other
as well.
Sharing your full being with the
other allows the two to know each other better. The two get to know each other
so well that their lives are also shared and mysteries of misunderstandings
become known over time. Those mysteries solved become the riches of the
relationship. Upon them even more riches are discovered and pave the way to a
life fully lived.
So far, that’s what the quote has
meant to me. Perhaps your pondering has or will lead to a different conclusion.
If so please share it with us?
Rocky found another quote that fits
our discussion today:
“Good
friends are like stars;
You don’t always see them,
But you know they are always there.”
They add sparkle to my life – both
stars and friends! Clouds may obscure seeing them from night to night but I
still know they are there. Reassuring thought, that. I hope they feel the same
knowing I am in their corner as well.
Before closing today, I want to
comment briefly on the passing of George McGovern. I did not view him as a
liberal ideologue. No; I saw him as a voice of reason during tumultuous times.
Remember he was adamantly for peace and stopping the Viet Nam War. A war
without a clear beginning and no clear end in sight. A war that pitted a giant
against a puny David. In the end McGovern was right. David won and we, the
giant, lost. The war was futile. Might against ‘whatever’ does not make a war
that has justice or virtue a pressing force that builds toward victory.
McGovern understood that war is the
last best hope to be used in dire need. Not for political or geopolitical
statement. That remains true today witness our war in Iraq . It is
also not the reason to go to war for the Middle East
under current circumstances. Too many skirmishes yet to be talked out before
being shot out! Let the diplomacy of cool minds prevail lest the heat of battle
be waged for little gain.
I saw McGovern as a symbol of hope.
He lost to a society’s fear, not logic. And America had continuing war based on
fear and loss of face. How hollow that victory!
As it is today we Americans
continue to struggle between Hope and Fear. Which will rule us for another four
years?
Talk it out. Relish your friends.
Both are symbols of hope. Together they will give you sparkle and wisdom. May
it be so for you.
October 23, 2012
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