I
love to read. If you wanted to cause me
agony and distress, you would take my books away. As I have aged, my taste in books has changed
a bit; I am more open to reading about subjects that I find uncomfortable or
that I disagree with. I read more
non-fiction than I used to, mostly due to the fact that I seem to have found a
deeper store of patience with which to treat complex issues. They say that's a sign of wisdom...I don't
know about that.
My
deepest love of literature remains fiction.
When an author offers up an imagined story, I am fascinated for many
reasons. There's nothing better than a
gripping plot, mastery of words and characters that leap off the pages for
their reality. Whenever I start a book
like that, I feel anticipation and joy; and, I think to myself, "you're
not going to get much sleep tonight, Pat."
What
draws me most to fiction is its power to teach, instruct and educate. You might ask how can that be? It's fiction, someone's imagination, all
made-up and likely not "true".
I would tell you that you are wrong; just because the story is fictional
doesn't mean there is no truth to it...just because it's imagined doesn't mean
there's nothing to be learned.
I
just finished reading Louise Penny's latest novel, "A Better
Man." Ms. Penny writes detective
stories that are situated in Quebec. On
the surface, the themes are somewhat predictable and the cast of characters
evolve only slightly from book to book; in that way, the stories are realistic
- our lives are often routine in the extreme and as human beings, our
characters evolve slowly, if at all.
But, in every one of her books, Louise Penny offers a chance to learn
about human relationships and how we ought to live with others. Her fiction contains real lessons. Here are a couple that are worthy of sharing:
4 Statements that Lead to Wisdom
+
I was wrong.
+
I'm sorry.
+
I don't know.
+
I need help.
Three Questions to Consider Before
Speaking
+
Is it true?
+
Is it kind?
+
Does it need to be said?
I
have these lessons in front of me, posted on the wall beside my computer. I spend too much time at my desk but, I
redeem some of those hours, minutes and seconds by reflecting on wise words and
lessons for life.
Each
of us learn in different ways; it doesn't matter how that comes about as long
as you don't give up trying.
Pat
Take This Thought Away
With You
"Things
are strongest where they're broken."
~ Louise Penny, Bury Your Dead, 2010 ~
A Week's Worth of Gratitude
Saturday
~ Barb & Jim Neath
Sunday
~ good preaching
Monday
~ working with a good crew
Tuesday
~ early to bed
Wednesday
~ bowling...poorly, but with friends
Thursday
~ early flu shot
Friday
~ Clifford United Church
