Anthony De Mello writes of a man he’d met who reflected on his days – he entitles it
CHANGE THE WORLD BY CHANGING ME
“I was a revolutionary when I
was young and all my prayer to God was
‘Lord, give the energy to change the world.’
“As I approached middle age and realized
that half my life was gone without my
changing a single soul, I changed my
prayer to ‘Lord, give me the grace to
change all those who come in contact
with me. Just my family and friends,
and I shall be satisfied.’
“Now that I am an old man and my days
are numbered, my one prayer
is, ‘Lord, give me the grace to change
myself.’ If I had prayed for this right
from the start I should not have wasted
my life.”
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
When two plus two isn't ....
I'm not sure who I heard say it the other day, but it bears consideration with regard to the "occupy" movement ...
When you have a few people who know what they want (self-described anarchists) infiltrating a large group of followers who concede they don't know what they want and admit they are looking for leaders, it is an equation for trouble.
Change for the sake of change alone looks much like foolishness to those who are watching.
G.K. Chesterton writing in "Orthodoxy" (1908) observed,
It is true that a man (a silly man) might make change itself his object or ideal. But as an ideal, change becomes unchangeable. If the change-worshipper wishes to estimate his own progress, he must be sternly loyal to the idea of change; he must not begin to flirt gaily with the ideal of monotony. Progress itself cannot progress. It is worth remark, in passing, that when Tennyson, in a wild and rather weak manner, welcomed the idea of infinite alteration in society, he instinctively took a metaphor which suggests an imprisoned tedium. He wrote -
Let the great world spin forever down the ringing grooves of change.
He thought of change itself as an unchangeable groove; and so it is. Change is about the narrowest and hardest groove a man can get into.
Something to think about ...
When you have a few people who know what they want (self-described anarchists) infiltrating a large group of followers who concede they don't know what they want and admit they are looking for leaders, it is an equation for trouble.
Change for the sake of change alone looks much like foolishness to those who are watching.
G.K. Chesterton writing in "Orthodoxy" (1908) observed,
It is true that a man (a silly man) might make change itself his object or ideal. But as an ideal, change becomes unchangeable. If the change-worshipper wishes to estimate his own progress, he must be sternly loyal to the idea of change; he must not begin to flirt gaily with the ideal of monotony. Progress itself cannot progress. It is worth remark, in passing, that when Tennyson, in a wild and rather weak manner, welcomed the idea of infinite alteration in society, he instinctively took a metaphor which suggests an imprisoned tedium. He wrote -
Let the great world spin forever down the ringing grooves of change.
He thought of change itself as an unchangeable groove; and so it is. Change is about the narrowest and hardest groove a man can get into.
Something to think about ...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Solon Beef Days 2011
Solon Beef Days is like a little town fair, held the third week in July, in "little town" Iowa. In many ways it reminds me of the Warren City Fair, circa 1970's. Neighbors gather with a certain amount of expectation of seeing friends they haven't since, well, last Solon Beef Days.
Attending this celebration of all things beef (though locals refer to it jokingly as "Solon Beer Days", I'm sure you can guess why and correctly on your first attempt) has become one of my landmarks of fun during the year.
The first year I attended there was a really good Rod Stewart-Soundalike band.
Last night I got to watch my first "Hay Bale Toss Contest". It reminded me in a lot of ways of the first rodeo I had attended in Cheyenne, WY at Cheyenne Frontier Days. For a short while you're there watching, then wondering, what all the hoop and hollering is about, and before you know it, you're joining in the fun.
So it was last night as I found myself caught up in the groupthink atmosphere, soon cheering on a total stranger in the hopes he'd toss a bale of hay over (what appeared to be the local high school's pole vaulting equipment) 15 feet into the air. When he was done I found myself cheering with equal exuberance for another total stranger to do the same or best the previous attempt.
It was all good fun, complete with two pretty gals (much like the Rounds girl in a boxing match) to raise the bar during the competition.
It ended in a tie, by the way, when the two local farm boys simply could not out do each other any longer ... and with a hug these two beefy (remember it is "Solon BEEF Days") fellas, exhausted, clasped hands in a congratulatory salute that only the two competitors could fully understand.
Attending this celebration of all things beef (though locals refer to it jokingly as "Solon Beer Days", I'm sure you can guess why and correctly on your first attempt) has become one of my landmarks of fun during the year.
The first year I attended there was a really good Rod Stewart-Soundalike band.
Last night I got to watch my first "Hay Bale Toss Contest". It reminded me in a lot of ways of the first rodeo I had attended in Cheyenne, WY at Cheyenne Frontier Days. For a short while you're there watching, then wondering, what all the hoop and hollering is about, and before you know it, you're joining in the fun.
So it was last night as I found myself caught up in the groupthink atmosphere, soon cheering on a total stranger in the hopes he'd toss a bale of hay over (what appeared to be the local high school's pole vaulting equipment) 15 feet into the air. When he was done I found myself cheering with equal exuberance for another total stranger to do the same or best the previous attempt.
It was all good fun, complete with two pretty gals (much like the Rounds girl in a boxing match) to raise the bar during the competition.
It ended in a tie, by the way, when the two local farm boys simply could not out do each other any longer ... and with a hug these two beefy (remember it is "Solon BEEF Days") fellas, exhausted, clasped hands in a congratulatory salute that only the two competitors could fully understand.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Count Your Blessings Lemonade Stand
From July 6, 2011
Among one of the wonderful little gifts I received today was this ...
I was out for a morning walk on an already hot day, and just beyond the halfway point I happened upon a youngster shouting at the top of his lungs "LEMONADE! GET YOUR DRINK RIGHT HERE". I'm not sure to whom he was yelling, perhaps the cars driving by with occupants on cell phones or radios blaring sounds that on some level someone finds entertaining. All the same, undeterred, their he was ... advertising this joint venture. For a little further up the sidewalk were two more youngsters and a table and a large pitcher of lemonade and some very attractive plastic cups.
I was thirsty, but I also knew I didn't have much money on me.
No problem, even though I had the little earbuds in, and one little one's voice was already fading behind me, another youngster invited me, "would you like a free cup of lemonade?"
I acknowledged "I really couldn't pass up a free glass of lemonade on a day like this". As one youngster poured my cup, another one, with all the grace of a "The Price Is Right" model showed me the various ware and wristbands they had made and were available for a small donation.
Feeling kind of sheepish, I dug in my pocket and one of the youngsters was quick to remind me there was no charge for the lemonade ... I still didn't feel right and offered them a quarter I had been saving. I knew it wasn't much, but both of the kids were so gracious and flattered as I praised them for such a delicious cup of lemonade.
As I continued down the sidewalk, another well positioned youngster smiled and barked out "LEMONADE, GET IT RIGHT HERE", while she held a sign up high, and nodded a "thak you" to me for accepting a cup.
What a wonderful blessing in the middle of a little walk ... to happen upon such pure innocence of the lemonade stand of children, spreading good cheer under the watchful eye of Moms and Dads.
Thank You God for such a gift of purity and "Amazing Grace" to such a "wretch" as me on this day.
Among one of the wonderful little gifts I received today was this ...
I was out for a morning walk on an already hot day, and just beyond the halfway point I happened upon a youngster shouting at the top of his lungs "LEMONADE! GET YOUR DRINK RIGHT HERE". I'm not sure to whom he was yelling, perhaps the cars driving by with occupants on cell phones or radios blaring sounds that on some level someone finds entertaining. All the same, undeterred, their he was ... advertising this joint venture. For a little further up the sidewalk were two more youngsters and a table and a large pitcher of lemonade and some very attractive plastic cups.
I was thirsty, but I also knew I didn't have much money on me.
No problem, even though I had the little earbuds in, and one little one's voice was already fading behind me, another youngster invited me, "would you like a free cup of lemonade?"
I acknowledged "I really couldn't pass up a free glass of lemonade on a day like this". As one youngster poured my cup, another one, with all the grace of a "The Price Is Right" model showed me the various ware and wristbands they had made and were available for a small donation.
Feeling kind of sheepish, I dug in my pocket and one of the youngsters was quick to remind me there was no charge for the lemonade ... I still didn't feel right and offered them a quarter I had been saving. I knew it wasn't much, but both of the kids were so gracious and flattered as I praised them for such a delicious cup of lemonade.
As I continued down the sidewalk, another well positioned youngster smiled and barked out "LEMONADE, GET IT RIGHT HERE", while she held a sign up high, and nodded a "thak you" to me for accepting a cup.
What a wonderful blessing in the middle of a little walk ... to happen upon such pure innocence of the lemonade stand of children, spreading good cheer under the watchful eye of Moms and Dads.
Thank You God for such a gift of purity and "Amazing Grace" to such a "wretch" as me on this day.
I've been wondering about this since 4th grade ...
and I think I figured it out yesterday while watching the Guy Lombardo Show on PBS ... (yes, I enjoy watching that and the Lawrence Welk Show as well ... there is humor, it is wholesome, and I like it).
Now, don't misunderstand me ... it is not as though I have been in deep continuous cogitation on this matter since elementary school ... but, I remember learning that the piano was part of the percussion family and that did not make sense to me until last night while I watched a performer play the harp with quite masterful speed and precision. As he played I noticed the similarity in sound between the music advancing and the sound of a piano ... but I was certain a harp is part of the string family, and, as already mentioned, I recalled that a piano is part of the percussion lineage.
So as I sat and watched I pondered what is the difference between the two instruments and how they are played, even though they are capable of producing similar sounds in the right hands?
What makes one a string and one a percussion?
I noted that the harp sounds are the result of the hands pulling or plucking on the strings, while the sounds of a piano result from the pushing or pounding of the hands on keys that result in a hammer striking the strings ... this pushing motion reminded me of the motions needed to elicit the sounds of other percussion instruments, like drums.
I concluded, therefore that this is why the piano is a percussion instrument, because of the percussing action that results in a sound.
When I "googled" it, I found out I had reasoned through to a correct conclusion.
Now, it is true I might have easily looked this up some time ago, but it was more fun this way!
Now, don't misunderstand me ... it is not as though I have been in deep continuous cogitation on this matter since elementary school ... but, I remember learning that the piano was part of the percussion family and that did not make sense to me until last night while I watched a performer play the harp with quite masterful speed and precision. As he played I noticed the similarity in sound between the music advancing and the sound of a piano ... but I was certain a harp is part of the string family, and, as already mentioned, I recalled that a piano is part of the percussion lineage.
So as I sat and watched I pondered what is the difference between the two instruments and how they are played, even though they are capable of producing similar sounds in the right hands?
What makes one a string and one a percussion?
I noted that the harp sounds are the result of the hands pulling or plucking on the strings, while the sounds of a piano result from the pushing or pounding of the hands on keys that result in a hammer striking the strings ... this pushing motion reminded me of the motions needed to elicit the sounds of other percussion instruments, like drums.
I concluded, therefore that this is why the piano is a percussion instrument, because of the percussing action that results in a sound.
When I "googled" it, I found out I had reasoned through to a correct conclusion.
Now, it is true I might have easily looked this up some time ago, but it was more fun this way!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
One of those Neat Little Surprises
Yes, it is true, I continue to use a "pay as you go" cell phone. Yesterday I sat down and calculated what the cost of the phone would be under the different available plans. Presently, I pay $60.00 per month for unlimited talk and text.
Wouldn't you know, my calculations show that if I were using a different plan ($2.00 per day, but only charged for the fee on dates the phone is actually used) the totals worked out to be remarkably close.
So, I decided to call the carrier and change plans, reasoning that I might save $20.00 per month with better use. All the while I was thinking to myself, "why don't they just lower the price on the unlimited package to be more competitive with other carriers?".
When I spoke with "Hector" he immediately explained that starting today a new plan was being rolled out as $50.00 per month for unlimited talk, text, and internet use.
One of those neat surprises ... I changed to the new plan.
Wouldn't you know, my calculations show that if I were using a different plan ($2.00 per day, but only charged for the fee on dates the phone is actually used) the totals worked out to be remarkably close.
So, I decided to call the carrier and change plans, reasoning that I might save $20.00 per month with better use. All the while I was thinking to myself, "why don't they just lower the price on the unlimited package to be more competitive with other carriers?".
When I spoke with "Hector" he immediately explained that starting today a new plan was being rolled out as $50.00 per month for unlimited talk, text, and internet use.
One of those neat surprises ... I changed to the new plan.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Opinion Piece On WWJC? [sic]
Retrieved from http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=1365610 on 6/12/11.
Keep Jesus out of your socialism (Part 1)
Dr. Michael Youssef 6/9/2011 9:35:00 AM
The headline of the full-page ad asks, "What Would Jesus Cut? -- A budget is a moral document." The text continues, "Our faith tells us that the moral test of a society is how it treats the poor."
The ad was produced by Sojourners, a self-described "evangelical" organization whose slogan is "Faith in Action for Social Justice." The ad was signed by Sojourners president Jim Wallis and more than two dozen Religious Left pastors, theologians, and activists. They urge our legislators to ask themselves, "What would Jesus cut?" from the federal budget.
How would you answer that question? My answer would be, "It's a nonsense question. Your premise is faulty. Your priorities are not His priorities."
Keep Jesus out of your socialism (Part 1)
Dr. Michael Youssef 6/9/2011 9:35:00 AM
The headline of the full-page ad asks, "What Would Jesus Cut? -- A budget is a moral document." The text continues, "Our faith tells us that the moral test of a society is how it treats the poor."
The ad was produced by Sojourners, a self-described "evangelical" organization whose slogan is "Faith in Action for Social Justice." The ad was signed by Sojourners president Jim Wallis and more than two dozen Religious Left pastors, theologians, and activists. They urge our legislators to ask themselves, "What would Jesus cut?" from the federal budget.
How would you answer that question? My answer would be, "It's a nonsense question. Your premise is faulty. Your priorities are not His priorities."
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Pattern in Music When MP3s Shuffle
Growing up in Detroit there was a radio program on WJR entitled “Patterns in Music”. Each Sunday morning a theme would be gently explored through song. Out walking with an MP3 player in hand and “shuffle” mode in gear I noted something probably far less than a pattern, but all the same a good reflection among a pairing of songs. “Many times I’ve been alone, and many times I’ve cried … anyway, you’ll never know the many ways I’ve tried … you left me standing here a long, long time ago …”
My first impulse was a very selfish and, I’d like to think, a very human one. I thought of people to whom I might like to express this sentiment. Then, in an instant, my focus changed as I considered the possibility that there might be someone that I’ve hurt who could easily recite and apply this lyric from the Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road” to me. I wondered about people that I may have “left standing [t]here, a long, long time ago …” I thought about those to whom I may have been a cause of tears and disappointment. I thought about how hurt I have been by individuals that did not seem to appreciate or “know the many ways I’ve tried”, and then reflected on the discomforting likelihood that I, too, have unfairly discounted the many ways, unknown to me, that others have tried.
It was a good reflection for a walk on Memorial Day this 2011.
Then another lyric began “There are people in your life who've come and gone, they let you down and hurt your pride … better put it all behind you; life goes on, [if] you keep carrying that anger, it'll eat you up inside … I think it's about forgiveness …”
My first impulse was a very selfish and, I’d like to think, a very human one. I thought of people to whom I might like to express this sentiment. Then, in an instant, my focus changed as I considered the possibility that there might be someone that I’ve hurt who could easily recite and apply this lyric from the Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road” to me. I wondered about people that I may have “left standing [t]here, a long, long time ago …” I thought about those to whom I may have been a cause of tears and disappointment. I thought about how hurt I have been by individuals that did not seem to appreciate or “know the many ways I’ve tried”, and then reflected on the discomforting likelihood that I, too, have unfairly discounted the many ways, unknown to me, that others have tried.
It was a good reflection for a walk on Memorial Day this 2011.
Then another lyric began “There are people in your life who've come and gone, they let you down and hurt your pride … better put it all behind you; life goes on, [if] you keep carrying that anger, it'll eat you up inside … I think it's about forgiveness …”
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Writing On The Wall
A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.
"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."
She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.
She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.
Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!
She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.
Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.
As heard told by Glen Leverantz on "Glen's Story Corner" on Releavant Radio, www.RelevantRadio.com
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.
"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."
She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.
She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.
Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!
She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.
Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.
As heard told by Glen Leverantz on "Glen's Story Corner" on Releavant Radio, www.RelevantRadio.com
Friday, January 14, 2011
Open Letter To A Friend That's Hurting
Dear Christine,
You are a strong
You believe in things greater than yourself and for that you will always run into others that treat you unkindly, dishonestly, and even maliciously at times.
I don't know their motives or why they behave as they do toward you. They will talk the talk of "tolerance" and yet treat you very coldly and with a rage of intolerance.
You are a very loving person, Christine, and I know I myself have treated you at times with something less than love. For that I, I'm sure you know, am sorry.
You are a strong
You believe in things greater than yourself and for that you will always run into others that treat you unkindly, dishonestly, and even maliciously at times.
I don't know their motives or why they behave as they do toward you. They will talk the talk of "tolerance" and yet treat you very coldly and with a rage of intolerance.
You are a very loving person, Christine, and I know I myself have treated you at times with something less than love. For that I, I'm sure you know, am sorry.
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