There are stories that when told lose something in the telling. Those same stories when written can become larger than life. I am fairly certain that Harper Lee could verbally tell a great story about growing up with Truman Capote, but her written story in To Kill a Mockingbird became much more than a few moments entertainment. It became a catalyst for social-cultural change. It grew so large and so noteworthy that she never published another novel. How could she compete with what had become the perfect novel at the perfect time to expose the imperfections of southern sensibilities?
The inter-net is chock-a-block full of examples to disprove my theory. If Ivory soap is still considered 99 & 44/100% pure in a way that defines pure as good, the content of the inter-net is probably the polar opposite with 99 & 44/100% of it what is written being purely horrible. Most of it is not worth the powder it would take to blow it to hell. I cannot say that my blog is a rare exception. I have written fewer things that are worthy of reading than I would like to admit.
Today in my favorite theology chat folks were discussing the various greetings you are likely to receive this time of year. I found myself saying something that convicted me. I hate it when that happens. I don't really understand why Christians get irritated when folks wish them Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings. "I think if Christians want to police things they ought to start by policing what comes out of their own mouths that is an offense to God and then worry about the unbelievers." Yeah, like I do a good job of policing myself.
The great thing about being a Christian is that you can have a small moment when you don't measure up to your own expectations, let alone God's, repent and then go about your business. You don't have to sit and wallow in self-pity and castigate yourself. You dust yourself off and pray you'll be more mindful of your words.
As I started on my daily chores I found myself thinking of my favorite Christmas moments. That lead me down my childhood memory lane. One of my all time favorite shows when I growing up was the Dick Van Dyke Show . That link should take you to Hulu and one of my favorite episodes.
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