Initially my thought had been that I prefer to talk about ideas but the more I mulled this over I realize that is not altogether true. With friends over supper last night we talked a lot about people. No, we didn't gossip about lives, we talked about her aging parents, the choices they have to make, about her almost adult children, the adult children, their plans, their careers. I told her about the wonders of grandchildren, about the events of their lives.
The men also talked about people, the events of the past that have shaped their lives.
We talked about things: gardens, homes, vehicles we have to drive, the men discussed farm machinery.
And in the midst of that we talked about ideas: struggles, joys, ways we learn and grow as people, as parents, as children of our parents and children of God.
Then I thought of how each of those topics can turn negative and can be harmful to myself and others. Talk of people can become judgmental and self-righteous. Talk of things can lead to jealousy, discontent, pride. Talk about ideas can do the same, make me judgmental, proud, self-righteous, discontent and sometimes angry. Well, maybe a little anger can be good! Gets me motivated to action sometimes,
So now that I have made the round with the Round-up and dandelion killer...... I have come to the not-so-profound conclusion that my conversations about anything can be positive or negative. One level of conversation is not 'better' than another. But it is so encouraging to participate with someone else when you discover you are 'on the same page'.
Thanks to all those great people with whom I can talk and share ideas about most everything, who will listen to the latest story about the grandkids and will talk about quilting or flowers or cooking or how to avoid cooking........
