A well-read mind is a mind that is expansive enough, secure enough and humble enough to entertain another's opinion while still holding firmly to it's own convictions, all the while maintaining an attitude of grace and respect.
If all one reads is what one already agrees with then how can iron sharpen iron? Congregating at all times with only like-minded folks tends to create a huge pile of salt. Salt in such an overdose almost always kills the grass.
I recently had the chance to visit with dear friends of ours well into the wee hours of the night. We did not always agree and sometimes the discussion got pretty heated. But what a lovely thing to be able to do so and still love each other without question. They are well-read. We want to be well-read.
Our conversation has given me many new things to think about, mull over, digest and dwell on. I have learned a great deal already from this dear family-a family I find incredibly easy to love-and hope to be challenged again and again by them. I feel like a student at the feet of great teachers. I am thankful even that we are not always like-minded.
If you're reading this D and M...you know who you are and may God be praised for bringing you into our lives.
2 comments:
This discussing things, sometimes with intensity, till the wee hours of the night or morning sounds so familiar.
You betcha! And, oh, how we love those who allow us to be zealous, sometimes stupid, callous and even unkind. It's a blessing to be loved and to love.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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