Think On This

It’s election time. And try as I might, without fail, I can be in mid conversation with someone that I assume believes and thinks the same way that I do and suddenly learn I was dreadfully wrong. Just as soon as I relax and begin to let down my guard a bit and share my thoughts, the one person in the room that I thought would shake their head in agreement comes out of left field and knocks my socks off.

You know what I am talking about. You have been there too. You’d think we’d learn. But no. We just seem to think that those around us think like we do. But that is not always the case.

Although America was built on the premise that diverse thought creates greater good, some folks just aren’t willing to accept that philosophy anymore. There seems to be a new norm of “if you do not think like I do, you are my enemy.” Hmmmmm. Not good. What happened to statesmanship? And how about just plain old respect for each other’s differences. But alas, nowadays, election season is more like gladiator season. (If there even was such a thing in the Roman Empire. But I digress.)

So, an actress, of all people, said something the other night that I really liked. She said, “America is like an eagle. It has a left wing and a right wing. And that is what makes it fly.” Or, at least, she said something to that affect. And I liked it.

As hard as it might be this week, let’s try to remember that it takes both wings to fly. Like the old song says, “Straighten Up and Fly Right.” But then, if you are a liberal, I guess that wouldn’t be your favorite selection. Oh, well, I think you get the point. FIrst: Never assume that the person you are speaking with agrees with you. And last but not least, if your conversation partner is from the other side of the aisle, just let it go. Don’t be someone that wants to cut off the other wing. The last thing we need is to cripple our nation as we enter a new presidential era. Let’s soar.

Just my thoughts.

S. 

Keep Your Powder Dry

If you have not used this statement before, chances are pretty good that you have at least “heard tell of it”, as we say down here in the south. I always thought it meant to simply stay calm and remain cool when under pressure. Never let them see you sweat, kind of thing. So you can imagine I was a bit surprised when I learned that the saying originated during the Revolutionary War period.

The phrase actually goes like this, “Trust in God, but Keep your Powder Dry.” (Not too surprising that over the years we’ve dropped the “Trust in God” part, but let’s get back to the topic at hand.)

I am a huge American History buff. And George Washington crossing the Delaware (then taking out the German mercenaries on Christmas Day) is one of my absolute favorite stories. A remarkable event.

Legend has it that General George Washington said to his soldiers before they began to cross the river in boats with their rifles in hand, “Trust in God, but keep your powder dry!” In other words, if we have come this far, and if all we have are our guns to do the job on the other side, do not, I repeat, do not let that gun or the gunpowder get wet! Protect your gear and your ammunition. It will be what leads us to victory or it will lead to our demise.

What in your life needs to be ultimately protected? Is there something that you need to focus on completely that could either mean life or death to a particular moment or situation? Maybe it’s mental, emotional, physical or spiritual. Only you know. It could mean a marriage, your job, a relationship, an event. It can be many things. And it might not be easy, but you know deep down, you’re going to need it down the road.

My thought today is, when you get to the really scary part of whatever it is that you have to do, Trust God. Trust Him to help you cross that river, in the dead of night, no matter how tired you are or how dangerous the task. Just keep going. Do what you have to do, and above all else, protect and keep your powder dry. Whatever that precious commodity is in your life. It’s all you will have with you when you land. And it is what you will desperately need with you when you come to the other side.

A little deep today, but I think you can navigate the literary waters.

S.