A Recipe for Relational Failure 11/15/12

     Good evening,

I'm squeezing this in (see how skinny it is right here?), making this post under the wire, before this day changes its name to Friday.  How are you?  I'm doing well, thank you very much. (That phrase always reminds me of Andy Kaufman.)

1.   I'm thankful for a new source for
the lovely images I place in this inn.  It delights my entire body, when art captures my eye. Perhaps you can tell, I'm extremely visual. And, even though I usually deny it heartily, I do have a photographic memory. But it's not like you think.

        This memory is selective. If something is important, I concentrate and make a mental snapshot. I don't memorize everything. Otherwise, my brain would be overloaded.

       But, yes, I can remember graphs from high school history books, conjugations of Classical Greek words from college, what a person was wearing on a date 20 years ago, or since then. And yep, most of the quotes I share in this inn are from memory, including the page numbers.

      That's me, for good or ill.

      I am able to revisit all the beautiful things I've seen.  I'm a lucky guy. Some may say it's a gift, I believe memory can be developed.  I've lectured on this subject in college. Those I mentor learn how to memorize passages---it's not that hard.  Really.
 
     I appreciate having a vivid connection with life.

2.  I love color.  I enjoy seeing them woven together, be it in a painting, in nature or otherwise. Color stimulates my being and mind.
3. I love the wonder that can be found here on earth, within nature, within a person, within a thought.
4.  I look forward to speaking this Saturday.
      I'll be before a large crowd. Can't wait, I enjoy public speaking. This is something I've done since I won the position as student body secretary in the fifth grade.
        I still remember the speech I gave that won the election (Some of came from a speech by Pericles.) I have fond memories of speeches I gave in school assemblies when I participated in student council, in high school.

5. I'm happy Buster Posey of my beloved team, the San Francisco Giants, won the MVP Award for the National League in Major League Baseball. This is the first time since the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates that a single major league team won the All-Star, League and World Series MVP in the same year.
6. I made efforts at resolving a problem that hearkens back to May, when someone ruined my birthday celebration. I wrote this person tonight.
6. I look forward to a midnight ride on this blustery night, right after this is written, before the upcoming storm appears. I enjoy the vigor or good health and connecting with the world around me in a physical way.
7. I'm grateful for each of you who make this inn what it is---a place of rejoicing, fellowship and positivity. I really appreciate you who write comments.  When you do, you add to the intimacy we share here.
8. I am delighted with the person who is interning with me. She's wonderful. Her name is Sarah. She's a gift. We're getting things done. We had a meeting on Tuesday that was productive and the work we're doing will demonstrate itself not only in my practice, but here, too. Be on the lookout for her positive influence.
9. I'm very happy for the increasing clarity I have regarding someone I was getting to know.
          I'm relieved that I'm circumspect when relating with others, especially women. When it comes to friendships I don't believe in ready, fire, aim, trying to make things better after the fact. I'd rather know their personality and values before I allow myself to get emotionally invested.
         That's right, I place principles before the vulnerable parts of my personality. Which most of you know is a mantra of mine, that I share here, often. I've learned the hard way, that this is the best approach.
         I don't care how friendly, attractive or receptive someone is. I need to see we are a match when it comes to values that are important to me.

         (Shhhh---do you want to know what the deal breaker was with this person? She lived within her mind. She didn't connect with God. She did everything in her own power.  In my book, that's a recipe for failure.
 
         Considering God's will was foreign to her.  Life was about her relying upon her resources. God wasn't even an afterthought.  That was sad for me to see. Life is too hard for one person to try making it alone.

        As always, I don't ask you to agree with me. Please take what you like and leave the rest. I'm just letting you know me a bit better.)

        I have to go---my bike, the cool grey skies and roaring wind are calling my name.  I need to bundle up and hit the road.