The following was recently forwarded to us. Assuming a considerable degree of editing (twelfth century English would not have reflected contemporary phrasing, syntax and spelling), we nonetheless believe it worth sharing.
"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered that the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If only I had changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world."
- Words purportedly inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican bishop in Westminster Abbey (1100 A.D.).
________
The part of the country in which we reside has been much beset by drought in recent times. Given the lack of moisture, wildfires, intensified by wind and low humidity levels, have inflicted no small loss. Widespread areas remain under strict burn bans. We would not in any way discount the seriousness of the situation.
Despite the stress of it all, we are reminded of the story shared by a friend some years ago regarding a drought in his native South Dakota. Things became so dry, he related, that in administering baptism, the Baptists resorted to sprinkling and the Methodists to using a damp cloth!
Well, anyway...
Burl Ratzsch
