I've been thinking a lot about character lately. When people consider potential "significant others," they always talk about personality, what kind of music the person listens to and other things just as inconsiquential. I myself have been one of these people. But recently I've been realizing the value of character. Character is something that reveals the core of a person, and is what will ultimately endure when bands break up and that cunning wit cuts a little too deep.
Jane Austen talks much of character in her books. In "Persuasion" what is percieved to be weakness of character nearly keeps Anne and Captain Wentworth from being together. In "Pride and Predjudice" Darcy's original folly's are forgotten after he shows depth of character. Emma chooses character over personality in the novel by the same name. And the list goes on. Why is it that so much weight is put on strength of character? I think it is because of what character reveals. Personalites can be fun, and it's nice to like the same things, but those are not enduring. It is when you dig into someone's heart, see where their passions and actions lie, that you see that person for who they really are. While I'm not completely discounting the compatability of personalities and what-not, I think good old Jane was onto something in her recurring theme of character. I'd much rather be with someone who brings joy to my life, challenges me and carries the qualities of faithfulness, patience and forgiveness. I think if someone has a solid foundation in who they are, the other things will fall into place.
Thinking about this also challenges me to develop my own character, and work on forming my own solid foundation. The other day I read Galatians, and was once again struck by the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Looks like Jane Austen wasn't the only one encouraging the importance of these things. And did you notice that it's "fruit of the Spirit" not "fruits"? All of these characteristics go together. A package deal, not al-a-carte. That's a challenge, but I think I'm up to it. I want to know who I am in Christ and let that show in all my words and actions. It's not easy, but I'm also not doing it alone.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
sniffles.
“Oh my, do children not even know what handkerchiefs are? A handkerchief is a Kleenex you don't throw away. My mother embroidered it for me -- you see? My initials and a daisy, because daisies are my favorite flower.”
- Kathleen Kelly, “You’ve Got Mail”
Handkerchiefs are so pretty, what with their lace, embroidery and setimentality... tuck one in your purse to wipe away tears at a beautiful wedding, get one handed to you by your favorite gentleman caller... how nice. Then reality hits. While the idea of using a handkerchief is rather romantic [think: Anita and Roger in 101 Dalmatians, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in the above-mentioned You’ve Got Mail or any number of gentlemen handing theirs to a lovely lady], the reality of it is pretty gross. Blowing your nose into a square of fabric, only to stick it back into your pocket for it to dry and crust and later pull it out for use again. Not so romantic anymore. While I see their practicality, I just don’t think I could bring myself to use and reuse one. It’s hard enough for me to get myself to use a cloth napkin. And what if you get a bloody nose? Not only do you ruin your handkerchief, but you’re bound to run out of cloth before your nose runs out of blood. And then what?
They certainly do fit well into the whole “green” revolution though. Throw it into the wash instead of throwing away a box of used tissues. Kind of along the lines of cloth diapers. And yet I’m still stuck at the place of the idea being a great one and the reality being a bit repulsive.
I wish I could bring myself to use one, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to stick with my 21st century-living on this subject. This is one of those modern-plumbing, what-we-have-today-is-better-than-the-alternative deals. Give me a box of Kleenexes. Not as pretty to look at in theory, but at the end of the day I can throw it away instead of having a mess in my pocket.
- Kathleen Kelly, “You’ve Got Mail”
Handkerchiefs are so pretty, what with their lace, embroidery and setimentality... tuck one in your purse to wipe away tears at a beautiful wedding, get one handed to you by your favorite gentleman caller... how nice. Then reality hits. While the idea of using a handkerchief is rather romantic [think: Anita and Roger in 101 Dalmatians, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in the above-mentioned You’ve Got Mail or any number of gentlemen handing theirs to a lovely lady], the reality of it is pretty gross. Blowing your nose into a square of fabric, only to stick it back into your pocket for it to dry and crust and later pull it out for use again. Not so romantic anymore. While I see their practicality, I just don’t think I could bring myself to use and reuse one. It’s hard enough for me to get myself to use a cloth napkin. And what if you get a bloody nose? Not only do you ruin your handkerchief, but you’re bound to run out of cloth before your nose runs out of blood. And then what?
They certainly do fit well into the whole “green” revolution though. Throw it into the wash instead of throwing away a box of used tissues. Kind of along the lines of cloth diapers. And yet I’m still stuck at the place of the idea being a great one and the reality being a bit repulsive.
I wish I could bring myself to use one, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to stick with my 21st century-living on this subject. This is one of those modern-plumbing, what-we-have-today-is-better-than-the-alternative deals. Give me a box of Kleenexes. Not as pretty to look at in theory, but at the end of the day I can throw it away instead of having a mess in my pocket.
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