Grief

Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

The Character of The Philosopher

“For philosophy doesn’t consist in outward display, but in taking heed to what is needed and being mindful of it.” (Musonius Rufus, Lectures, 16.75.15-16)

Philosophy is not all head-stuff and thinkology. The lover of wisdom discerns, understands, directs the mind in order to take appropriate action. The lover of wisdom has a plan that informs works. The lover of wisdom is identified by character: he is aware of himself and his relationships to others.

Imagine for a moment a young lady who, stepping through an open door says “thank you.” A nice young lady, correct? But in getting to the door, she ran to be the first one through, even pushing someone aside. The outward show makes one statement, but her character is seen in how she treated others. Philosophy is more than manners. Philosophy is more than acquiring knowledge. Philosophy is the pursuit of doing what is right, even adding value to others, contributing.

This is what distinguishes the lover of wisdom, the philosopher: character. One is mindful, attentive, flexible, bold, discerning, compassionate, content, decisive, responsible. 

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