Looking Closely

WED., JUNE 19, 1991, 6:45 AM
CARROLL COLLEGE, WISCONSIN

The apple… at an apple you looked closely in the participative activity of yesterday afternoon. You looked and you saw details and “idiosyncrasies” which made that apple quite a unique piece of fruit. You felt some reluctance in eating it… but you did. It was sweet, juicy, delicious, probably very much like the other red apples from which it has been selected. Thus, you took an ordinary object, observed it closely and carefully, and lo, it became an object: special.

It is possible to do this several times a day, but generally you do not. It takes time and, generally, seems “not worth it.” You could have done this with persons here at this Conference… selecting one or two individual and getting to know more about this or these, looking closely rather than starting a number of superficial relationships, most of which will not develop further. You haven’t done this.

Yet realize that this is one of the luxuries of elderly status. Increasingly you shall be able and encouraged to select some activity and “look at it closely” giving it more attention than you do now, with interests and responsibilities so diverse. You will be able, for example, to concentrate more on your roses, resulting in larger bushes and more flowers. You could give your song repertoire more attention, resurrecting some whose words have “fallen away.” (In that regard, you can be mildly apologetic about the songs you do, but you have quite a good selection and “your era” was as good a one for stories-in-song a any. Don’t disparage it.)

You are giving this Conference your full attention. Your last responsibility is this morning. Tomorrow you shall depart, and what of this 4 days of gathering? The basic objective has been accomplished: a spiritual wellness networking conference has taken place… at a site, with participants, over time. There has been a “first.” Will it have been a “first annual?” Well, that’s pretty much up to Andrea and to some of you who may be of help. It is quite an undertaking, and someone must be the responsible one for a second one to emerge. There have been some good spirit-enhancing activities, but, as always, individuals must “give of themselves ere they’re able to receive.”

You should have no difficulty with your familiar presentation this morning. Well, the difficulty most probable is in having a sufficient audience. I’ll guide a few to your door. You do the rest… with verve and concern, balanced artfully.

Living life fully is quite an art. With a well-developed spirit it is easier, but the requirement is everlasting balancing. Balancing what? Wide participation and interest… and… looking closely. In spiritual reading, for example, I counsel you to focus on the Holy Scriptures and on these Teachings. Thus, you are not even well acquainted with the vast spiritual literature, and this can be embarrassing. Yet I do not change My advice. You still sometimes “overdose” on current news, but otherwise you’re behaving about as I desire. You shall just have to feign interest as students and colleagues talk of this author… or that one. If you are interested let those who have looked closely tell you of the concepts they have retained.

Take your role as Paul this coming week both seriously and lightheartedly. Dramatize the stories so that the kids have some strong remembrance of this “Paul guy.”

Your upcoming class is important, but neither of Us has any fears about this… nor about the Rutgers songs and stories. The major opportunity at which you must “look closely” is Synod School, with both your class and the sermon you are privileged to give. Begin to put some attention on these, even as your major task for this next week is Our Ruminations. Consider, in depth, all that you could say about conversion, so you can select what is truly best.