Fall temperatures have returned to Little Egypt. We are on a short path to the holidays. There are still beautiful leaves hanging on. We must follow their example.

I enjoy allegory. I think in allegorical terms. Always have. As the saying goes I was born that way. I love literature where the reader has to decide the authors intent and message. Such is life.

Of late classical Christmas music has brought me solace. The birth of Christ brought hope to a troubled world. Not unlike today. We are born into a tempest we live to make it better. A test for the ages.

Our present distress is wrought from not knowing each other. We judge our neighbor’s intent by the hateful speech of those who do not have our best interest at heart. My friend Peter wrote of demonstrating the love of God that we know. A tremendous thought for troubled times.

Our Country is a bold experiment that has no precedent. Melting Pot is easy to say and hard to do. Political leaders have inherited 330 million humans who have been systematically divided for many years. It has been incremental in its insidious result. Somewhat like going into debt to the point of bankruptcy one day at a time.

Communication understanding caring do not happen on the national level. They happen locally with neighbors congregants school boards and local governments. Acceptance occurs when your friend is Gay…your neighbor is of another race…your table is full of people from all over the world. It is hard to hate those you love.

Art aids in acceptance. Reading helps. Conversation with a listening ear is important. Love at first sight is an allegory. Love grows from the little things. A smile when you are sad. A had extended when you are weary. A visit when you are sick.

I have heard it said that famous people who are brown or black-skinned are often not thought of as members of a race but as friends. We can improve. We can be better. It will never happen by waiting for a Theocracy that is fashioned in the narcissistic leader’s own image.