Argument

I believe often times (not all the time) we argue because the reality is we inherently see merit in our opponent’s perspective, and that we also see merit in our own concepts.  So, we talk it out, in hopes that we hear what we have to say and let our minds process it differently (for it is one thing to hold on to a notion in secret than to profess it out loud with conviction).   

Argument is a form of information exchanged, and it occurs daily. Arguments that don’t necessary entail raised voices or heated emotions.  In fact, however passionate we may be, we should avoid using emotion as a weapon.  There is a fine line between being sentient and being sentimental.  We argue every day, we persuade one another and within ourselves from one moment to the next based upon the information we are provided with.  Emotion, how we feel is definitely part of it, but also give credit to the rational process, for our ability to think things through is an equally important gift. 

So, the key is information.  An argument gets out of hand when both sides do not have the same access to information, and they have to resort to other means to get the point across, or not at all.  

Driving

Some said don't go through life looking at the review mirrors, look instead through the windshield. Yet I ask you, as we drive, how often are we granted the moment to admire the scenery that is flashing by at the same speed we are surging ahead? So focused are we at the road, so used to being on the fast lane that when we slowed down even for a bit, the car behind us will honk, and the car on the side will over take us.

I say get out of the car, I say we walk, and let our feet take us where we need to be. It may not be far, but oh the sights we shall see, the people we will meet, and time goes by ever so much more slowly. Walk, and see the wonders that this life has to offer. Aye, it will be a road of hardship, aye it will be a path of obstacles. The destination may seem far, but we will get there eventually, step by step. We shall meet again at the predestined point.

Simpler

There was a time when life was simpler, when the plan was just to stay alive from day to day. When hunters hunt only for food and not for sport. When there were wise men and women who knew the ways of the earth and use its magic to heal. When children were taught to fear and respect instead to sneer. Such was a time when gratitude was a real thing, when kindness was repaid. When men lived by codes like honor, principles, virtues and chivalry; and women were demure, prudent, elegant and wise. There was a time when we look at the skies and become awe with wonder, when we look about us and be content. There was a time when we knew our place, and were humbled to accept our lot in life; willing to work hard and accept the fruits of our labors.

Ah, how clean we have become, sweat no longer lingering on our brow. How soft are our hands which have never known the rawness of working beneath the mid day sun. Indeed we sit before our technology and moan, complaining of inefficiency and cursing the obsolete.

Perhaps I belong of an ages past, when we do our part and be willing to sit back and let things take its course. Perhaps I belong to a time when things were much slower, when we have the patience to nurture and watch things grow in its own good time. For here I am now, in this age, a slow wit man who understand not the need to rush. Here I am now, working slowly, at my own pace which is never good enough. By society's standard, I am obsolete, a stupid man, a slothful man. Perhaps I am, I know not, for who is to judge? Perhaps I do not learn at the same pace, perhaps I will not reach my heights at the same time as my peers. I may not amount to the same greatness as those who dwell in science and technology and  business, perhaps I am a big disappointment. And what if I am, is my life still worth living? Am I condemned to lead a life of failure, ever falling behind and beneath the shadows of others? Perhaps, but whatever my life is going to be like, I pray I will never lose that sense of wonder which science can no longer offer with all its answers. I pray that although I may not be smart and knowledgeable, I may be wise and humble. I pray that I will be at peace with myself, and in tune with the rhythm of the natural world. For God gave me lungs not to pant but to breathe in and breathe out at an easy flow. My blood pressure was not made to go so high, but enough to keep me alive. And so that is my goal, to live a normal, medicore man, casting shadows only to those needs the shade.

I shall not be judged nor shall I judge, focused I shall be to do my best, to make my  life fulfilling as much as possible, surviving and content. I have goals and plans, that I do, but I am willing for them to happen at its own course. I will do what I can to get me where I need to be, but not because I need to be there, but because somehow I will get there.

Lord, You alone know my needs and can provide for them. You alone know me better than me. Lord, I give myself onto You this day, trusting that You will shape me as You like. Long ago was I made in Your likeness, through the fall did I lose some of it, but take me up in Your hands once more and re-shaped to my original likeness of You.

Chicago

This year's AudiologyNOW conference was held in Chicago, and I definitely enjoyed my visit to the Windy City, in fact, one may even say I was quite blown away by it (groans).  I think what I find most appealing about this city, besides the orderliness and the friendly folks I have met along the way, is the architecture.  From the ornate to the practical, the Chicago skyline is adorned by spiraling towers of wonder to graceful monoliths of sublime beauty.  There is also something nostalgic about Chicago.  Perhaps it is the link to the Prohibition Era, of speak-easy, and the likes of Elliot Ness and Al Capone. The glorious days of Chicago Bulls, a team that I grew up idolizing.  Or, it could be alleged home of a Royal Canadian Mountie who first went to Chicago on the trail of the killers of his father, and for reasons which don't need exploring at this juncture, he has remained attached as a liaison to the Canadian Consulate (which I could not locate during this trip...).  Regardless, walking around town, beneath the bridges that supported the "L" (The Loop), I find myself imagining what it was like to witness the growth of this city, as the soundtrack from the movie The Sting played in the background.