Foie Gras

I don’t agree with foie gras. It is goose or duck liver that has been “specially fattened” by forcing mass amounts of food down the bird’s throat in order for its liver to grow to an abnormal size. I just don’t like the idea of having things shoved down your throat for any reason.

Sometimes when I feel really passionate about something I will really hammer it home. I’ll go on and on about why what I think is right and why others should agree with me. It’s a terrible habit and one that I’m sure we have all been guilty of at one time or another. We become similar to the farmers who shove so much down the poor bird’s throat that it causes the bird incredible discomfort.

It can be really hard to not go overboard when you feel strongly about something, especially if that something has brought you great joy and has changed your life for the better. But you have to be considerate of the other person’s feelings. Yes, what you have to say might be true and it might even be helpful to the other person, but you have to present it in the right way.

I am certain that if the same food was laid out in front of the geese and ducks they would gladly nibble away at it. It is good food, and their bodies need the nutrients.  The change to their bodies might not come as quickly as it would through force, but the change will come, in a better and healthier way. They are hungry for it, but you have to let them come to it on their own terms.

As Christians we are told to spread the gospel. The good news. However, sometimes we get so excited about sharing this good news that we forget to take into consideration the feelings of those we are sharing the news with. You can’t force it on people. It doesn’t work that way. I think one of the best ways to share the good news is simply by being an example of Christ to people. By loving them for who they are, where they are. And when people start to get hungry for what you have, then you can start to share your faith with them in portions that they can handle and digest.

I don’t agree with foie gras. I do agree with loving people.

An excerpt.

"Will you come with me to the mountains? It will hurt at first, until your feet are hardened. Reality is harsh to the feet of shadows. But will you come?"

"Well, that is a plan. I am perfectly ready to consider it. Of course I should require some assurances... I should want a guarantee that you are taking me to a place where I shall find a wider sphere of usefulness - and scope for the talents that God has given me - and an atmosphere of free inquiry - in short, all that one means by civilisation and - er - the spiritual life."

"No," said the other. "I can promise you none of these things. No sphere of usefulness: you are not needed there at all. No scope for your talents: only forgiveness for having perverted them. No atmosphere of inquire, for I will bring you to the land not of questions but of answers, and you shall see the face of God."

-The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis

Blue Collar

I admire those who work hard every day.

Those whose hands are strong and stained with dirt.

Those who commit their entire lives to their trade.

Those who take the time to hone their craft and skill.

There is something almost romantic about the life of a farmer or butcher.

The life of a carpenter or baker.

Of a fisherman or railroad worker.

I suppose the lives of these individuals remind me of a simpler time, a more honest time.

A time in which people were proud of their craft and it wasn’t all about the money.

It was about being passionate about what you do and giving it your all.

It’s been said that people underestimate the benefits of good old manual labor. 

Some of the happiest people in the world, go home smelling to high heaven at the end of the day. 

I believe that’s true. 

Perhaps someday I will experience it for myself. 

But not yet. I still have too much of the world to see...