Monday, February 06, 2006

A Wistful, Post-Super Bowl Post

All right. I've got to give you something better than that. I don't condone bulleted lists as legitimate WeBLoG content. I was just excited about reading Norman Chad's column.

The cold has returned to Chicago, and I am glad. That long string of 40-degree days scared me. We live in this town and endure its psychotic winter so, sometime in April, when the tree buds are budding and the state bird (the robin) is singing, we feel like we've accomplished something. Any old fool gets to feel that here in Chicago.

People are odd creatures. As a person, I feel I can speak with authority on this. Last night, as I was walking to the bar, I thought how it'd be wonderful for me if I remembered that all of us are part of the same family _ in the same boat. That despite all the slights and backbiting and resentment and secrets, all people can come together and recognize this. Some might see this as being part of "god's family." I am not a christian, but I have no problem with that description _ if the feeling is there.

As a human being I fail, but I was thinking if there was some personal (or national?) moment or day where I could pause to reflect on my behavior, that might help me and my brothers and sisters. It's one thing to say you love everyone and another matter to feel it. And the foundation of love, I believe, is an interest in the other person _ not just in the self. It's something I'll always need to remember.

3 comments:

Paxton said...

"It's one thing to say you love everyone and another matter to feel it. And the foundation of love, I believe, is an interest in the other person _ not just in the self. It's something I'll always need to remember."

It's one thing to say you love another person, and another matter to *do* it. You cannot control feelings all the time (though I find that consistent loving tends to persuade your feelings to improve). But you can control decisions -- which is a good thing, since love is a choice (often it is a choice to stuff your feelings and love someone anyway). I know you're not a Christian but you might find 1 Corinthians chapter 13 interesting.

Anonymous said...

The state bird of Illinois is the cardinal. Sweet, sweet Michigan claims the robin. To save you from a moment of chagrin at your next "States and Their Symbols" meeting.

-Meredith

Woundup Corp. said...

the reply post finally worked! i knew that was wrong. this whole experience fills me with shame. my 8th grade civics teacher is spinning in her grave in jefferson city _ the capital of missouri.