I know that God looks after us during our entire life. Life’s little clues are proof of that, at least for me. Life’s clues are meant to steer us in the right direction, and to keep us out of heartache and trouble. They are always there, if one cares to see them. These clues always come at the crucial moment, before our mind is made up about a situation. They come as a series of visual clues, information we come across without searching for it but captures our attention somehow, strong enough to notice it. Clues also come as a comment from an unusual source, a stranger, or even as a comment from someone we know, but has no knowledge of the situation. Sometimes, it is the right word that you keep seeing over and over, everywhere. It is usually a subtle hint that we seem to notice but ignore many times. When we ignore these clues, in hindsight we see that these warnings were there, but we chose to disregard them. The effects of a wrong decision can last a lifetime. The longer you live, you learn to recognize these clues and to attune your perception, and you understand that a piece of information, however it may present itself, is there for a reason.
As a Christian, I see these clues as part of my daily communion with God, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life, but there was a time when I was not completely connected spiritually. Now, I realize that God did care and sent those clues for me to see. Whether you are a Christian or not, or spiritually connected with your Creator or not, pay attention to those little life’s clues that are meant to save you disappointment and heartache in the long run; they are put there by your Maker who loves you and has your best interest in mind. Every time we say a prayer we become more receptive, aware, and perceptive. The more we strengthen our spiritual connection the more aware we become.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
From time to time, the muse taps my shoulder, and let’s me know that it is time to write a little poem. Sometimes it is a holiday poem, about nature, or even a satire, and sometimes it is about the Golden Man, a character I created a few years ago. Think of him as a social character.
A Golden Man’s Cuisine
The Golden Man forgot his quest,
in pomp and circumstance now, he bathes.
Who are those people under my feet?
Must be the ants, and they don’t eat.
Bring me some wontons, bring me kababs; the ants can starve.
Ever had a conversation with someone that becomes exhausting and it goes nowhere? Every word said needs to be analyzed or contested, if not enlightened by some not needed piece of information. By the end of the conversation, which one welcomes, there is this feeling of exhaustion and drainage. I have met many people like that, and it is very difficult to have a conversation with them because their focus is to debate anything and/or everything that is said. It is not a pleasant exchange, but futile, even when no attempt to re-establish a point is made.
Life is not a battle or debate. Instead, it is an interaction, an open exchange of ideas between people, whether explicit or not, through words and actions. There is no need to approach a conversation with our backs against a wall, ready to fire back. Unless it is an intended discussion were points and opinions are to be debated, there is no need to be defensive or pedagogical. I have seen people become easily agitated or stressed out in normal circumstances, and part of it is their approach at viewing existence as a constant battle, where every social exchange has to be a debate; a battle against what?
People are different (thank God), have different ideas, ways to approach living, and they come from different backgrounds/cultures. One culture does not define planet Earth; all are part of the beautiful human race. We seem to miss that point. It may sound pollyannaish, but life is not meant to be a constant battle or war of the words. The old advice of “let’s agree to disagree” alludes to this type of interaction, and maybe one more appropriate would be to “live and let live,” as the song says. All in the right context.
Writing characters in depth, may sometimes, become exhausting, and many times, reading them as well. It depends on the context and also on how well the writer has experienced/observed the emotions attached to these characters. I don’t think a character should ever be rushed. I think as writers, we should play with them a bit and see what they are all about before we commit to write them. Others, write themselves.
Inkspeare 