Tuesday, March 07, 2006

TalkTalk
In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

--Matthew 6:7

The Coeur d'Alene Public Library Foundation has launched a capital campaign in support of a new building. I have soooo many memories of bike rides up Foster to Seventh, left on Seventh, then a straight shot down to Seventh and Nirvana, The Public Library. That frequent pilgrimage is such a huge chunk of my childhood in my beloved hometown-- the recollection brings a smile to my mouth and warmth to my heart still. I love to read, now and then, and realize I really, really like words. All kinds of words. Just yesterday, I was involved in a conversation about the word, "pimp". I think it's an fascinating, fun, provocative word; that sentiment isn't exactly shared universally, however. To me it's only a word. But in just that thing, I can see treachery. When words string together to create a sound and a rhythm that somehow generate a life of their own, their substance leaves them and they become a form instead of a sentiment or an idea; a babble of emptiness that resonates beautifully and makes a great ride along, for maybe when you really don't want to think real thoughts.
Our Lord warns us about this exact kind of babble through Matthew. Just don't do it , he says. When you are talking to me, keep it real. And by the way, I pretty much know what you are going to say before you say it.
This is such a comfort to me. To have someone I can turn to, talk to, be completely myself, without explaining, is a relief and a solace that cannot be described. To be where I don't have to apologize for the light, or for the dark, for the joy, or for the despair, for my fundamental inadequacy as a human being is a deep, rich blessing for which there is no companion nor replacement.
JBelle
Bellemaison
The 'Kan EWA

1 comment:

Idaho Dad said...

JBelle, I know what you mean (007)... He started rankling me right away when he appeared on HBO in the past year. His unceasing attack of the UI, Moscow, and North Idaho really riled me. And then I realized that he makes appearances on one of the Vandal sports forums that I read, and over there he's the most insulting, abrasive, foul-mouthed cretin you can imagine! So, now knowing who, and what, he really is, I'm going to endeavor to ignore him. Easier said than done, though. I don't back down from attacks on things I hold dear.

And I'm sorry I ever mentioned the whole Adam Morrison thing the other night. It was all about timing... I had JUST RETURNED from my son's basketball game where I had to watch the coach's son run off crying once again because the team didn't win. I didn't even see the end of the Gonzaga game, just heard about it, so I probably shouldn't have even commented on it. But gee whiz, did I ever get ripped apart for speaking my mind. When will I learn not to do that.

I'm supposed to be on vacation, so I might just have to unplug the computer to stop from peeking at HBO. I wonder if Dave knows how much of an addition he's created!