Old Talk

July 13
Friday

This afternoon my friends Shirley and Kathy stopped by. They had been kayaking on the lakes. Shirley put in the flowers the heat is trying to kill. Kathy had taken me to dinner not long ago when she heard I might be leaving. Kathy (a.k.a. Spike) I have known since 1977 or 1978, Shirley since 1986.

They were a nice surprise. We talked about old times and mutual acquaintances. I am amazed at how well they keep up with everyone. I learned more in the forty-five minutes of the visit than I had in months. After they left I thought of a painting I picked up in Trinidad. It is a watercolor of women sitting together entitled "Old Talk." It is one of my favorites. Connecting it to our conversation made me smile.

                OLD TALK, Ward, Trinidad, 1990

The Bullfrog croaking,
cricket chirping, petals dropping--
Thinking of old friends

I spent part of the day reading and did a bit of housecleaning. My habit is to read 2-3 books at a time. A book in this room and a book in that. Today it was a V.S. Naipaul novel, A House for Mr. Biswas, and Henri Nouwen's Life of the Beloved.

This is the first time I have read Naipaul. My good friend Jim recommended the book. I am enjoying it. Biswas is a fascinating and unlikely central character. A hero without redeeming qualities who has never-the-less intrigued me. I won't hesitate to read more Naipaul.

The Nouwen is a re-read. He is one of the better Christian writers--Less concerned with politics than Christ. That is a redeeming quality. His books are profound and to the point. I have several and re-read them now and then. His honesty is refreshing and his struggles are dealt with openly. I am always better for reading him.

My favorite quote of his is not from this book, but from another--In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership:

"What makes the temptation of power so seeming irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard talk of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life."

A striking observation. One that I have taken to heart--such as I am able. Those words and Ephesians 2:8-10 are on my refrigerator where I cannot avoid them. I need their reminders. It is easy to drift off course. 

While I read I had music playing in the background. The I-phone was playing random cuts from the CDs I had loaded. I was struck by the incongruity of the Alabama Blind Boys singing Amazing Grace following Tom Wait's  Heart Attack and Vine. From the sacred to the profane. Much like my life.

This evening I received a touching email. A couple from church had written to thank me. They are kind, quiet individuals. I was unaware that my ministry had affected them so. It left a lump in my throat and  feelings of thankfulness and humility.