Welcome to July

Welcome to July – we think. After some of the oppressive heat and humidity at the latter part of June, we’re not quite as enthusiastic about the month that usually promises plenty more of the same. However, think sweet corn and early tomatoes.
This writer lives in a rural setting and is aware of the passage of the seasons through nature. By now, the unique 17-year Cicada Event is over, and it seems remarkably quiet. In addition, the birds are going silent, having raised lots of babies and feeling exhausted. Except for the catbird. Throughout the warm months, the catbird sits in the bushes and gives an unending commentary on life. Sometimes, the conversation is spirited and loud; other times it is soft and seems pensive. It usually lasts into the late dusk, until it seems he falls asleep mid-sentence. One wonders what he is saying.
As we go through our daily routine, we socialize with those we encounter by our conversations. And through our conversations, we communicate our love and our care and strengthen our bonds with each person. We all know folks who are relatively stingy with their words. Conversation with them tends to be brief. We never sense we know how they really feel. We know some who are bright and interesting; and we have lively, fun conversations with them. And then there are some we encounter who can babble on and on. Sometimes it is interesting, too often it is boring or even annoying. Sifting through each conversation gives us the opportunity to discern what is on a person’s mind - what really gives them pleasure, or what bothers them, or what worries them. It is our means of sharing joys and troubles.
This writer is presently enduring getting together with a friend, who is going through lots of troubles, whose initial greeting is followed by a half hour of heartfelt rant. I have to keep reminding myself that I must stay silent while this person vents. I have to refrain from making my response all criticism and advice. I must be understanding.
And so it is with the whole purpose of spoken communication. Through their words, everyone is seeking understanding. By understanding, we share what is in the heart of a person. We can show our love. We can encourage. We can pray.
I’ll never understand what the catbird is saying or how he feels. Only God knows. It’s a bit easier to understand what a friend or acquaintance feels. On our part, It just involves listening. It involves sharing, caring, and wisdom in our response. And then we turn it over to a loving, caring, understanding God.     Virginia                                                            “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6