"He who neglects what is done for what ought to be done, sooner effects his ruin than his preservation." - Machiavelli, The Prince
Some People Change
Author: Jack
August 19, 2006
In the song "Some People Change", originally sung by Kenny Chesney (but I prefer Montgomery Gentry's version), it addresses a racist and an alcoholic, but I think change goes deeper than the obvious situations. The verses are intriguing in the song, but it's the chorus that sparks my interest the most:
"Here's to the strong! Thanks to the brave!
Don't give up hope- Some people change!
Against all odds, against the grain,
Love finds a way- Some people change!"
It particularly makes me think of an old friend. When he was young he got mixed up in something he knew he ought not to do. And now, years later, I'm discovering that people can change. He's not perfect, and sometimes the imperfect parts of him frustrate me completely, but as I learn patience, (sheesh, that's hard) I learn what a sensitive young man he is. It's hard to change ideologies that have been deeply embedded into the heart and mind about him, but I try to be patient with myself and with him. Both are hard. A house divided can not stand. We are told to love everyone, and that can be really, really hard. I don't think God looks at us when we say "it is a hard thing you ask us to do" and say "Jerk, why dontcha do them anyways. I don't care if it's hard. It's what I asked you to do!" He understands that it's hard, but he still expects it of us. He takes us in His arms and helps (if we allow Him to) us work out our problem.
In the new Joseph Smith movie, there's a point where Brother Joseph is playing a stick pull with an "unbeatable", boastful neighbor. Before the stick pull begins, Joseph winks and says something like "Sometimes we must be put low before the Lord can pull us higher." I've experienced both. And I try not to underestimate either- the tremendous struggle, and the tremendous blessing. ... And, y'know, I know the two are separate, but the struggle can be the blessing, and the blessing can be the struggle. But I originally meant the two to be quite seperate. I know I spelled "seperate" twice two different ways- Oh well. ?: )
