Goodbye 2020

As the clock winds down on 2020 and we get ready for 2021, I thought I’d share a few thoughts from my foxhole. As a teacher the school year consumed me, so for much of the past few months, I simply watched as events unfolded. Here are my observations, such as they are.

We need to embrace what it means to be a culture of diversity. This necessitates a willingness to share our nation with those that view things differently. Different does not mean bad and to expect some sort of cultural homogeneity is unrealistic and unfair. Tolerance is a virtue and more of us need to exhibit it. Long ago, before we had considered forming a new nation, we championed a culture of plurality and with varying degrees of success have struggled to cultivate it. It is hard, but necessary, work. As long as we view those who are different as “the other,” we will not reach our full potential. Our Creator endowed us with choice, and all the perils it entails, we need to remember that. 

We need to eschew win at any cost politics and those that place party loyalty above serving the common good. Solving national problems requires a willingness to compromise. A successful, thriving, body politic requires a vigorous conservative and liberal wing. Each group brings something important to the work of crafting national policy. Those that hold a different political philosophy are not my enemy. We should stop punishing those politicians who willingly work across this aisle and instead reward bold initiatives that secure the best possible outcome for the most. Creative workable solutions will come from different places. Listening to others uncovers wisdom. We need solutions, not sound-bites. Successful solutions include the reality that I will not always get my way and that I may need to sacrifice some of my wealth and position in order to advance the blessings of liberty for others. 

We must invigorate the willingness to sacrifice some of what we have to lift others up. We do not lack resources. We lack a readiness to share with those that need help. We must jettison the failed idea that if only they worked hard enough, they would succeed, and instead set the conditions for uplift through equitable pay, affordable healthcare, high-quality affordable education, and the other hallmarks of a just society. And yes, this necessitates higher taxes, but that is a small price to pay for a more equitable and honorable society; a moral one that protects the weakest and most vulnerable.

We need the intellectual honesty to shun those echo-chambers which serve only to reinforce our prejudices and fail to educate. Those platforms which merely enflame and propagandize the faithful believers serve no useful purpose in crafting a thriving society. We need calm thoughtful voices that open windows to new vistas, ones that at times challenge our sacred cows but that ultimately lead us on to a better reality. In reality, those sources that work to reinforce a narrow set of thoughts mitigate against rational thought and enrich those who damage our republic. We should not haunt their platforms and generate their income. 

We need to relearn the lesson of good sportsmanship hammered out on dusty playgrounds and weedy sports fields. We should respect and honor a well-played game but abjure pettiness that leads to acrimony and distracts from solving the problems at hand. When we lose, we take our lumps, dust ourselves off, and move on to what’s next. None of us always win and how we handle defeat reveals the quality of our character, good or ill. 

Lastly, we need to spend more time in self-examination and less time criticizing others. My grandmother used to say, “Tend to your own knitting.” I understand what she meant, and I never took up knitting. Too much of our time is spent pointing the accusing finger at others, finding fault in what they think, say, or do. Perhaps, if we look in the mirror and address some of our own problems, we might spend less time tearing others down. 

I believe that, as a nation, our best days lie in front of us. The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that it is not through wisdom that we say the old days were better. 2020 was a challenging year, and that’s an understatement. But, if we take a deep breath and address some of the things that vex us, we will find the solutions necessary to make 2021 a better year.

Demetris' Story, Epilogue

Demetrius’ Story Epilogue

Enosh sat on the terrace, sipping a glass of wine. Years had passed since the night in the sheepfold near Bethlehem. Much had changed. Demetrius, Alter, and Timur still worked as shepherds taking care of the flocks. Enosh had given Demetrius his freedom, yet he still worked for Enosh. He still struggled with his anger, but the outbursts were fewer and further apart. He had embraced Jesus and his teachings. Alter had refused Enosh’s offer of freedom, saying that he was content with things the way they were. 

Things had improved between Enosh and Avishag as well. Enosh was not always comfortable with the changes in their relationship. She was still a very good wife, but more willing to speak her mind about things. She and Nuria had grown quite close, something that gave great pleasure to Avishag, but often proved difficult for Enosh. They seemed to enjoy sharing secrets, secrets that seemed to involve jokes at his expense. But, the joy they shared improved his life. Then there was Timur.

Timur filled the gap that a son would have filled. Enosh enjoyed teaching him about the wool business. Alter had trained him well as a shepherd and Timur had proved a very able pupil. Enosh took great pleasure in their growing relationship. Timur and Enosh enjoyed spending time together. Respectful and kind, Timur helped Enosh set aside his pain at being childless. In fact, Enosh planned on adopting him as a son. Of course, Avishag would demand the same for Nuria, something he was willing to do. They would have to discuss all the particulars. All of this because of a strange wandering Rabbi he’d never met.

Slowly, surely the teachings of Jesus seemed to infiltrate his world. He liked what he heard, though they were often strange. Forgiving one’s enemies, for example, did not seem to be practical. Alter shared the teachings in bits and pieces, as the need arose. Avishag and Nuria seemed particularly taken. And Enosh could not help but be drawn in as well. He could not deny the improvements in his own household. Indeed, things had grown much better over the past couple of years. Enosh drained his cup of the last dregs as the stars winked on. Yes, soon he’d need to speak to Avishag about adoption. 

Demetrius' Story, Step 28

Step 28

Silhouetted against a brazier full of glowing coals, Demetrius loomed over the prostrate Enosh cudgel raised, anger seething in visible waves across his face. Enosh cowered before the furious slave, his arm raised as a desperate shield. 

“Demetrius, stop,” Alter cried!

“I must, he deserves to die,” snarled Demetrius.

“Perhaps, but not for anything he’s done to you,” replied the older slave, “He’s not the best master, but he’s done nothing to you deserving death.”

“He owns slaves. That’s enough.”

“No, it’s not, and you know it. You’re still angry at your parents and former owners. Do not blame Enosh for all the wrong that’s been done to you by others. It’s not right.”

“It’s not fair,” moaned the young slave, his club dropping slightly. By now, the commotion had roused Timur who sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“No, it’s not fair. Life is not fair. The world doesn’t work right. But you cannot let your anger control you. You must learn how to forgive. If you do not learn how to forgive, then you will always be a slave…to your own anger,” said the older man.

“I never wanted to be a slave,” murmured Demetrius, the bludgeon dropping a bit more.

“We are all slaves, even Enosh. The only real choice we get is who will be our master, darkness, or light. Right now, your true owner is your dark anger. Enosh has no true control over you. Consider carefully what you do next. Will you let your anger control you or will you control it” cautioned Alter? 

With an incoherent cry, Demetrius hurled his club over the wall. It landed with an oddly hollow thud. He dropped to his knees, covering his face with his hands. Enosh slowly got up and started to say something.

“Be careful of what YOU say next Enosh. Your words and actions carry weight and will either create or destroy, your choice,” admonished Alter.

Enosh paused, turned, and stalked outside the fold without a word. Timur watched the exchange wide-eyed. 

Alter walked over, placing a gentle hand on Demetrius’ shoulder, “Come, get some sleep. We can talk about this tomorrow.” Without a word, Demetrius heaved himself to his feet, shambled over to the lean-to, and collapsed on his pallet. Quiet soon enveloped the fold.

Demetrius' Story, Step 27

Step 27

Demetrius seethed. The day started well enough, for a slave. Demetrius enjoyed the colder weather. Being a shepherd provided easy access to wool. He, and Alter, were able to trade raw wool for thicker cloaks, making the cool nights much more bearable. Then, late in the morning, Enosh arrived with a new slave. The new slave was a mere youth. His name was Timur, and Enosh planned on leaving him to help with the growing flock. It was evident that Enosh liked Timur. He gave him the best portions at mealtime and talked to him as if he were a favorite son. Demetrius resented the preferential treatment. He’d worked well for Enosh and believed that he deserved consideration instead of this new…interloper. Enosh’s presence put Demetrius in an awkward position.

He had been giving serious consideration to running away. He felt sure that he could join himself to a passing caravan and work his way back to his home. What he would do once he returned, he did not know, but he did want to try. Enosh’s arrival threw his plans into disarray. Soon, fewer caravans would pass through, making an escape problematic. Though their frequency would grow again in the spring. The more he thought, the greater his anger and frustration. He focused all of his stored up rage at Enosh. If he could just get rid of Enosh, he might just get away. He would have to act quickly.

Demetrius gently shook Alter, whispering, “Alter, wake up.”

Alter grunted and slowly sat up.

“Shhss, don’t wake Enosh,” Demetrius whispered, “We need to talk.”

Waking quickly, Alter asked, “What is it?”

Without preamble or explanation, Demetrius whispered, “I’m running away. Come with me. Two are better than one.”

Alter paused, “No, I cannot. I owe my master.”

“Enosh?! He’s a jerk,” alleged Demetrius.

“No, not Him. My real master,” replied Alter.

“Not more of that savior, great shepherd, talk. Now is not the time,” whispered Demetrius fiercely.

“Now is exactly the time,” said Alter, “This will determine what kind of man you will be for the rest of your life.” Suddenly, without any noise, Enosh loomed out of the darkness and grabbed at Demetrius. Dodging to the right, Demetrius stuck out his foot and tripped Enosh. Stumbling forward into the low stone wall with a thud, Enosh fell to the ground stunned. Demetrius raised his hardened cudgel to finish his tormentor off.

“Demetrius don’t,” shouted Alter!

Demetrius paused, club raised and chest heaving from exertion and excitement. 

Demetrius' Story, Step 26

Step 26

Demetrius considered his options. He did not believe that he could continue to remain the property of Enosh, or any other man for that matter. As a gentile, Enosh was under no compunction to free him. A few lucky slaves could earn their freedom through diligence and good service. No such possibility was open to him. He knew that if he continued to work for Enosh, sooner or later his anger would get the best of him…probably sooner. His thoughts returned to running away, a perilous course of action.

“Demetrius, what are you thinking?”

Demetrius glanced over to the older shepherd, wondering if he should tell him of his plans, “I was thinking of the future.”

“Near or far?”

“I’m not sure,” Demetrius mused.

“Be careful, Demetrius,” Alter replied, “Do not do anything rash, something you might regret.”

“I regret this life.”

“Yes, but here you are not a fugitive. Here you have food, shelter, honorable work, a place. If you run away, you will have nothing,” Alter said.

“I know, but I don’t believe that I can serve Enosh any longer. He’s a bad master,” muttered Demetrius angrily.

“I know, but if you would accept Jesus as your master Enosh’s issues would not trouble you so. You would see things in a different light,” said Alter.

“You make it sound so simple, old man,” replied Demetrius wryly, “How can I trust this craftsman turned into a teacher you talk about. Didn’t you say he was crucified for his teachings? That doesn’t say much for his teachings or reputation.”

“No, it doesn’t. But all the same, he’s a better master.”

“Alter! Demetrius! How do you fare?” 

Alter and Demetrius turned and saw Enosh waving at them from the small limestone studded rise just to the east. As they stared a small youth topped the rise and stood with Enosh.

“I did not expect him for a few more days,” muttered a shocked Demetrius.

“Nor I,” added an equally shocked Alter, “Nor I.”

Demetrius' Story, Step 25

Step 25

Avishag felt great peace, unexpected, and perplexing. Initially, she’d resented the presence of Nuria. She had never wanted a servant. She wondered, was Enosh somehow displeased with how she conducted household affairs? Did he want her to be more efficient? She dared not ask him. He’d become short-tempered and uncommunicative. Whatever the case, Avishag found Nuria pleasant and obedient. She completed the chores Avishag assigned quickly and without complaint. Slowly, without fanfare, bit by bit, step by step, Nuria and Avishag developed a relationship, one that seemed to provide both of them deep-seated contentment. A gentle spirit settled over the house. Avishag and Nuria enjoyed long companionable conversations as they took care of the household needs. She and Nuria learned about each other during these long exchanges.

“So, you are from a small hamlet near Jericho?”

“Yes,” Nuria replied, “Our parents belonged to a merchant there.”

“And were you treated harshly?”

“Not really. As little children not much was expected of us. Light housekeeping mostly,” said Nuria, “But there was not enough work for us as we got older. The steward recommended that we be sold off when we became old enough to start doing real work. Our owner agreed. He wanted to make a profit before we consumed too much food.”

Nuria’s matter of fact tone of voice surprised Avishag, “What did your mother think?”

“Well, she told us to be brave and pray for a good master,” Nuria said thoughtfully, “But I could tell that she was very sad. I think I heard her crying as we left. I guess that was very hard for our mother. But of course, you know that will eventually happen when you are a slave.”

“You don’t seem to resent it,” said an astonished Avishag.

“Well, God answered my prayer. He sent me to a nice home with a good master,” answered Nuria, her head bent over some lentils she was sorting. The little stones she picked rattled on the table, as she sorted the lentils for supper. The ensuing quiet weighed heavily on Avishag.

“Poor dear child,” she said, reaching out to gently stroke Nuria’s glossy black hair.

“My mother used to do that,” said Nuria quietly, looking up and gracing Avishag with a slight smile.

Avishag quickly turned away in order to hide the sudden, hot tears that trickled down her face.

Demetrius' Story, Step 24

Step 24

Enosh paused while stacking bales of wool, and watched Timur work, making bales out of the raw fleeces piled on one side of the room. He wiped the gathered sweat from his forehead with a small scrap of cloth and rested. Despite his status as a slave, Timur devoted himself to his labors. Enosh appreciated his young charges willingness to work hard at the tasks assigned. He worked hard and he worked with an equanimity that seemed beyond his years. Enosh found Timur had a joyful sense of humor. He and Nuria often laughed together in the cool of evening after the day’s chores had ended. Enosh wondered how they could face life as slaves and still laugh. They seemed to take pleasure in doing a job well, finding satisfaction in little things. As he watched, he noticed that Timur still struggled to get the binding twine tight.

“Here let me show you again,” Enosh interrupted, “When you pull the twine tight, give it another twist. The friction will hold it long enough for you to make the cross tie. It takes that extra twist to make it work.”

“Like this,” Timur copied Enosh’s example with surprising skill?

“Yes, exactly.”

“Thank you,” the young boy seemed very pleased with the neater bundle.

“You’re welcome,” Enosh replied, surprised that he too felt pride at the youth’s success. That was another thing. He found that he enjoyed working with Timur. Timur was not surly or a complainer. He paid attention, accepted instruction, and took pride in a job well done. He was not like any slave that Enosh had known. He was singular…well almost singular.

Enosh thought of Alter. Alter and Timur were similar in their quiet demeanor and careful attention to detail. But there was a difference. Though Alter was completely competent and trustworthy, he carried a deep emotional wound, one that occasionally showed itself in a flash of dark anger. Timur would do well under the tutelage of the older shepherd. Soon Enosh and Timur would visit the fold near Bethlehem and inspect the flocks. Enosh would leave Timur with Alter to help with the growing flocks. He trusted Alter to do a good job teaching Timur the ins and outs of being a good shepherd. Timur would learn quickly and thrive in that environment. And Enosh, well Enosh found he would miss the young boy.