Ever faithful melancholic-phlegmatic loyalist- We all have a melancholic in our life (I have been blessed with many). You know, that person who is wise, but reserved. They are quiet but always pondering, analyzing, and planning. You can tell the gears are turning, but it takes the jaws of life to pry those thoughts into words. And then, out of nowhere, and to friend’s dismay, they say, do, create, or express something profound. Where did that come from? If they were a tree they would be the stark naked twigs of an American plum, brown and bare. But before the leaves even bud in April, those twigs burst forth with beautiful snow-white blossoms that sweeten and contrast the dank decay of spring on the prairie. Their sweet drupe (fruit) is widely consumed, giving life to those around them. They volunteer little with words, but always have a thoughtful response when queried. They could be witty if they chose to, but usually think better of it. You may not hear from them for a long time, but they show up to help celebrate, or when you need someone to prop you up. They love themselves because they spend a lot of time getting to know themselves. It’s easy for them to love others because they love themselves. They hate small talk but will engage a genuine conversation for hours. They hate disappointment, are eager to please, and their biggest fear is failure. They are eager to fix problems, but sincerely listen and feel your joy and your pain. They are very critical of themselves, but compassionate toward others. They always see the good in people, trust too easily and can forgive any wrong. They will take your secret to the grave. They give respect unconditionally, even when disrespected. Anger comes slowly, but is just, and metered to appropriate intensity and direction. They always provide, always come through, and always give good advice. They remain stoic in the face of mountainous trials. They keep their struggles inside but always offer a shoulder to cry on. They learn the hard lessons of others. Their friends may be few and far away, but lifelong. They work too hard, for too long, at too many tasks. Their work is flawless and they never call in sick. They tackle the biggest problems first, but always take time to pray and play. As parents, they are a toddler’s best friend and teenager’s rain on the parade. They will give the shirt off their back and the shoes off their feet, but will never compromise their principles. They take pride when dutifully earned, but never let it cloud their perspective. They patiently wait for hard work, dedication, and discipline to pay off. They are often misunderstood, overlooked, underpaid, and mistreated. They are those unflappable figures that love unconditionally and are never intimidated, but often taken for granted and abused. Many lead fearlessly or choose to humbly complete tasks that others think is beneath them, or both. They are not always leaders, but those that are lead by compassionate example and workers line up to serve them and be inspired by them. They make great friends, fathers, cowboys and carpenters, and good farm hands, factory workers and preachers. A good golden retriever is usually a melancholic. The heartland of America was tamed by melancholics. Much of our food is grown and raised by melancholics. Our children are taught by melancholics. The raw materials out of which this civilization is forged are procured by melancholics. Your sins were forgiven because of a melancholic. Thank God for melancholics, because a boat without an anchor drifts aimlessly. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 14:46:48 +0000
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