Pandora plays me a diverse series of songs that are apparently linked together by my listening history. Last night I was taken back to a much less complicated time as Van Morrison began to sing this classic. The music is uplifting and the words just make you feel good. “When you don’t need to worry there’ll be days like this…when no one is in a hurry there’ll be days like this, when you don’t get betrayed by that old Judas kiss, oh, my mama told me, there’ll be days like this.” With the heart breaking events of the last week and dysfunction and deceit at the highest leadership level there is no joy in any recent day. I am hoping this great song applies to our country in the very near future.
How goes the Battle? This question is often asked in the same way we casually inquire about those we meet – “what’s new”, “how’s it going”, “what’s up,” or break the ice with “its a beautiful day.” We all feel obligated to ask or reply. I have a tendency to ask about the battle. My youngest brother Jeff, who continues to push back against the complications of a traumatic brain injury responded to my query-in a clever and thoughtful statement. “The battle? What battle? Some days I am the hunter, most days just prey…or pray, depends on how close the pursuit seems.” Jeff has retained an excellent sense of humor as he has focused on his rehabilitation. I have to mention his spouse, Trish, who has been a significant ingredient in the emotional and physical prescription for healing. The battle can only be won by a team.
Today in 1865, Henry David Thoreau published Walden. Thoreau believed in a simple life and espoused a better, more just government. Thoreau was a transcendentalist, believing a person can gain special knowledge about creation, god, faith, et al, from being close to nature. No surprise he was one of the first environmentalists. Very timely thought for our world today, Thoreau believed “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.”
The battle does not require a gun. Enjoy the week end. Mike