Shade Tree Wisdom 8/22/08

The air this morning is kind of fresh, not ‘heavy’ or humid to notice. The paper, however, is full of Olympic Games news. The US Girls softball team, that had won some 22 games in a row going back several Olympics, lost to Japan and had to settle for silver. A US relay team dropped a baton, and Laura Wilkerson, gold medal diver from other games, came in 9th in her specialty in the finals, her final appearance in these games.

And here is a news item reporting that the library of Grafton, Wisconsin had issued a citation to an overdue book patron who failed to respond to letters or phone calls. She was arrested, handcuffed, put in a police cruiser, and booked for violating the ‘overdue library materials’ ordinance. She paid a fine and charges and was released (Better check your library books).

Oh, yes, the Olympics committee is investigating the age of one Chinese gymnast rumored to be 14, not the required 16 years old.

Well, you say, so what? Who cares. That’s just it. There are folks who really don’t care because the are not involved in any way, so it doesn’t matter to them who won or lost, or what anyone else did. Their emotions aren’t involved. And living that way seems easier and more casual, because nothing touches them emotionally in any way.

But is it? Would you rather go to a dentist for instance, who is careless with his hygiene, doesn’t really care if he hurts with a drill before the medicine took affect, and brushed aside any concerns about the future care of your teeth. No, you go to the one whose office is spotless, records in order, hands washed and knows what he did last visit, and what to watch for. You want the one who cares.

Often young couples preparing for marriage would ask for 1 Corinthians 13 as a Scripture reading. I liked that because we would take the time to really look at verses 4-7. “4 Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, 5 Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6 Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. 1 Cor. 13, 4-7.”

Look at what is says there, “Keeps no record of wrongs” among other things. But that is one who cares, not about oneself, but about the other. One who really cares and loves will always show such concern. And that is a far better way for a Christian to live his life, guided by the Spirit of God. When we try that, follow God’s will and guidance, we become emotionally involved, and that is a better way to live.

GPD 8/22/08