A True Standard Bearer

When expecting to get a few things done before the hour arrived for my church duties, I made the mistake of returning a phone call that came in late yesterday, and since I had no idea what the person wanted, I found myself pulled into a long conversation which covered a broad range of topics from music, to politics, to things going on in our schools, and about everything in between. Since I’m not one who enjoys being ‘button-holed’ for any given length of time, I’m sure the person on the other end finally realized it was time to unhitch me from that wagon train of information. If I were a milk cow, I’d say I was feeling pretty milked-dry and ready for pasture.

I did manage to get my contemplative session completed, and before finishing up, I decided to go down another rarely traveled path which took me to a spiritual setting where mirrors were placed before those who’d intentionally done some pretty bad things to myself, as well as a handful of other innocent people, so as the mirrors were turned and placed before them, I petitioned the Source of All to send back to them equal if not greater measures, just so their soul/spirits would know they’d done it to themselves. I believe if more people would come to realize that whatever such evil portions we give out, they’re sure to be coming back upon us, and sometimes doubly. I believe the ‘doubly’ happens whenever the mental and/or physical pain is all the greater and long-lasting.

My gig over at St. Paul Lutheran went quite well this morning other than their lights having flickered while I was playing their electronic organ, and wouldn’t you know, it momentarily stopped working, so I had to come to a complete stop and ask them to begin that particular verse again. Thank goodness they were right back up to speed. Now it that had happened while I was playing their piano or vintage pipe organ, I dare say it would’ve gone un-noticed.

While on my way out, Pastor Jane Harris asked if I would be interested in taking communion with them, and at first I said, “I don’t think so.”, but then after a moment’s thought, I said, “Let me think about it, and if I do decide to take communion, I’d rather have it before I start playing.”, which she was agreeable to. While driving away, I couldn’t help thinking how thoughtful her gesture was. Yes, she really is a very good person of the cloth.

The remainder of my day was spent working in my garden where I was preparing the soil for the over-due planting of my favorite carrots. I did manage to get two long rows in, and once a section of my garden dries out a little more, I’ll be planting a third row, just so I’ll have more than enough for myself, and whatever’s left, I’ll be sharing with others.

Once my gardening was done, I headed out and spent the remainder of my afternoon cleaning an exceptionally filthy stove, and in spite of having worked on it for over three hours, I still have a couple more before it meets my ‘clean stove’ standards. Truth be told, I will never fully understand why there are so many people who absolutely will not clean their ovens and stovetops, and especially when we have so many good products on the market which help to keep them from getting almost to the point of needing a hammer and chisel. Hopefully there’ll come a day when I’ll not be cleaning another stove other than my own.

While out buying cleaning supplies at a groceteria, I happened to run into an woman I’ve know for longer than I care to admit, and since I’d not seen her in months, I figured it best I stop and have a good chat. Oh my goodness, was that ever a mistake!

Well, by the time I managed to pull myself out of that heated debate, I was feeling pretty sorry I took the initiative to walk over to her. Oh my goodness! For being a woman who’s well past the age of 95, I was in shock over her being a true standard bearer of D.T. and his cronies. What made it even worse, was her questioning what newspapers and online news feeds I follow. Of course without even asking, she had to mention her favorite Fox News and all the rhetoric she’s likely embraced. She also insisted I not mention any of my feelings to another aged friend of hers whom we both know, because I would get smacked all the harder for not having drank their ‘Kool-Aid’.

After having a good-long time to think about her beliefs on the subject, I suddenly remembered she was only a high school graduate along with her group of ‘friends’, as well as her never having done much reading or studying of anything other than keeping herself in the know with work-related updates.

I also realized she and her friends, spent nearly their entire lives, amassing as much wealth as possible, so when they finally retired, the extent of their activities ended up being the attending of ‘senior’ functions, joining card clubs, and showing up at their weekly coffee gatherings, along with spending a great deal of time in front of their televisions.

Truth be told, I was a bit frightened by her current mindset because all the years I’ve known her, she was never so intense about any given public figure. I’m now left wondering how many other people in her age bracket have developed tunnel vision. Pretty darned scary if you ask me.

Tonight’s One-liner is: Hope never abandons you, you abandon it.

Joe Chodur

About the Author | Joe Chodur

First of all....Joe Chodur really doesn't like talking about himself but this is what we have found out about him. Joe Chodur began his real estate career in 1981 during the height of the savings and loan crisis. It's hard to imagine how difficult it was to sell homes when…

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