Redtree Times

I have a longing for life, and I go on living in spite of logic. Though I may not believe in the order of the universe, yet I love the sticky leaves as they open in spring. I love the blue sky, I love some people, whom one loves you know sometimes without knowing why. I love some great deeds done by men, though I’ve long ceased perhaps to have faith in them, yet from old habit one’s heart prizes them.

~Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

I wrote one thing already this morning but after reading it, decided against posting it. It just felt too negative, too cynical, and I didn’t really want to go that way this morning. There’s enough negativity and cynicism in our public discourse without me adding to it. 

Instead, much as the character Ivan Karamazov states in the passage above–which is but a small part of a wonderful long paragraph–let’s focus on more positive aspects of this life. Though we are often disillusioned, disappointed, disgusted, and left feeling hopeless by the actions of men, this is a life worth living.

Perhaps by recognizing the intrinsic beauty in those things of this life not defined by monetary wealth or political power, we can better appreciate the value of contentment and caring. 

Maybe then we can begin to see a movement away from self-serving attitudes and toward those of self-sacrifice and service to others.

That probably sounds implausible but for this morning I am willing to embrace it. 

Here’s an iconic performance of Soul Sacrifice by Carlos Santana from the 1969 Woodstock festival. In a concert that featured remarkable and legendary performances, this remains a standout. Carlos Santana was only 22 at the time and his drummer, Michael Shrieve, had just turned 20.

Age is, after all is said and done, just a number. And whatever your age, as the late great bluesman John Lee Hooker said: If can’t dig this, you got a hole in your soul– and that ain’t good.