Blinded by the truth…mine

Recently, my own remarks revealed a new personal character flaw. While I enjoy my own company well enough, I also am keenly of aware of the existence of my many imperfections, but this was one I wouldn’t previously have named. I describe myself as open minded, yet I discovered that my mind and my eyes are shut tight when it comes to issues I claim as “core principles”.

The conversation revolved around our church and one of its previous pastors. The pastor had been a dear friend of mine. I loved him, even when others found fault. He was my steadfast friend, and I his.Then I heard myself say something that shocked me. (This has probably never happened to those of you who think before you speak!)

I said, “I doubt I would have worshiped there had I known that was his opinion.” That is true.

Seconds later, my words caught up with me (this communication business is really complicated) and I said,

“Well that is an awful, and limiting statement. I guess I would have missed knowing a wonderful man.” And that is true.

I started to get sidetracked writing this in an attempt to describe the issues at stake. I guess that is the point. We get sidetracked by issues that aren’t the whole story. They lead us away from the comprehensive sense of who a person is or what the situation can be. Just like Dad said, anyone can point out what’s wrong.

I hold onto the opinions I have as if they are the only truth. They aren’t. They are my opinions. And when I can still my voice of authority long enough to listen and think, I am often surprised by all that I do not know. I might at least hear something else…something that points out other qualities of kinship and agreement with an individual with whom I don’t agree or whose tactics I find offensive (being judgmental or superior acting is a quick way to the short list of people I don’t want to have over for dinner.) Of course, the irony is that in labeling someone as judgmental I’m…judging.

Well, it’s all given me a great deal of food for thought this week. Maybe by May, I’ll have become a big enough person that I find something to like in Rush Limbaugh. It could happen…the seeds of goodness fall everywhere.

The truth is much bigger than any one of us. That’s why goodness still grows.

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