Sunset over my back fence
Good Morning, God!
Last evening I was going out to get the mail when I saw the sky! I rushed back in to get my camera and spent 20 minutes taking photos! GLORIOUS! And, it felt as if the SKY responded to my delight by getting brighter and even more colorful.
Now, that is anthropomorphizing, isn’t it, God! But it is true that many of us creatures do respond that way — showing off more and more to a delighted audience or observer.
Appreciation is such a GIFT! My mother gave it to me as she pointed out things for me to see on early childhood walks. We learn so much from those early years.
I suppose we learn criticism, too. Only I don’t picture THAT as a gift. I see it more as wasp eggs and larvae. There are wasps that lay there eggs inside caterpillars! The eggs hatch and EAT the caterpillar on their way “out.” A truly disgusting image! But that is how I think of the Critical Spirit.
Now, I KNOW we need to be analytical and have common sense! Being perceptive means seeing BOTH the good (to be appreciated) and the bad (to be resisted or redone). I am coming to understand that ALL VIRTUES COME IN PAIRS! You tell us, God, to SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE. Truth is one virtue — Love (or kindness) often acts as its OPPOSABLE VIRTUE.
I wish I had been taught this concept when I was young. Hmm. I wish I understood it better, NOW!
It is like our Opposable Thumb! We have risen as a species because of our Opposable Thumbs (Stephen Jay Gould said that?). And may I add, God, we shall disappear as a species if we don’t learn about Opposable Virtues!
Hmmm. A rather daunting word to end on! Our two halves of the brain have to act the same way — all gifts require an appreciation and a WORKING TOGETHER with the opposing gifts. Now that is something for politicians to consider!
Oh, yes, God, and me too!
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
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