Age gives one the permission to be candid. I am not sure that the statement is true. Life likes to remind me that there are many repeating scenes in the journey. With age, it is getting easier to recognize the repetitive ones. Motives are easier to read. Intent is often far to clear. And body language speaks louder than the words they interrupt.
In this setting, see more clearly is not always an advantage. One wants to be candid. At times, there are individuals that want to hear and understand one’s observations and insights. On other occasions, mythology is preferred. The desire to be candid is the same in both. It is not easy to know when it is time to be candid and when it is better to be silence.
I find that there is an emotional catalyst that pushes me from within. I want and need to call evil by its name. I often feel it is up to me to call it out. All kids of thoughts come to mind, most fairly unpleasant! “Slice their lips off their faces! Pull the braggart tongues from their mouths!” (Psalm 12.3)
A reminder came from an unexpected source. Not every scene is really as it seems. Even when it is, there is always more to the story. As right as I think I am, do I believe I am called to express a judgment view? As obvious as the situation is, as sure as I am of the facts, do I really believe I am called to be God’s voice?
Compassion and understanding often suggest there is more to the story than what I can see.
Patience likes to remind me that God is at work in the lives of others, even when I cannot see the evidence.
Mirrors tell me that I have often walked in the steps that others are taking now.
Having the ability to be candid does not mean that one needs to be. We are part of a bigger story. Today we can embrace more and let go of the rest.
