Some of us ring the bell on Sunday morning. Some watch the Bell Ringer. We marvel at his bell-ringing prowess. We love the dulcet tone of the Bell. We love what the Bell Ringing means to us and those who hear it.

Quiet people get things done. Still waters run deep. We love people…at a distance. Not much comes out of our mouths, but much is going on in our heads. Introverts have a lot of answers to life’s persistent questions…if someone asks.

Persistence is the key, the excited man said many years ago. Gesturing as if his hair was on fire…he grabbed the Old Man’s arm and proclaimed his truth. The Old Man wonders if the Extrovert with a message is persistent.

‘Are you prepared for the race?’ Mr. Hare asked Mr. Tortoise. ‘I really do not need to practice as speed is in my genes,’ Mr. Hare proclaimed. ‘I come from a long line of super intelligent and scary speedy Hares,’ Mr. Hare advised with a toothy smile. ‘No Hare has beat me…I feel certain that you have no chance, Sleepy Tortoise,’ Mr. Hare laughed. ‘Give up now, and I will call you a loser,’ Mr.Hare continued. ‘If you praise me early and often…I will understand that you are a smart sleepy Tortoise,’ Mr. Hare observed.

‘Nice seeing you, Mr. Hare…I knew your father and your uncle,’ Mr. Tortoise said. ‘They were quite fast and won many races,’ Mr. Tortoise continued. ‘I used to watch them from the viewing stands,’ Mr. Tortoise continued. ‘Your family seems to rely on bluster as a diversion,’ Mr. Tortoise observed. ‘This is an excellent rhetorical device…until your opponent understands its utilization,’ Mr. Tortoise continued. ‘I have a quiet approach…I watch what works and inculcate best practices into my race,’ Mr. Tortoise mused. ‘I sleep little…I watch and research daily,’ Mr. Tortoise advised.

‘Runners take you marks,’ Judge Everyman said. ‘At the sound of the starter pistol, begin running for the finish line,’ Judge E continued. ‘Be sure to focus on the goal of the finish line,’ Judge E advised both race participants.

‘How did you beat me in the race…I ran hard…I am the greatest…I never lose,’ Mr. Hare asked Mr. Tortoise.

‘You stopped three times to brag on yourself… advise that persistence is the key…accuse me of being sleepy and out of touch with the race,’ Mr. Tortoise explained. ‘I passed you during your second speech…I broke through the finish line several minutes before your arrival…I have watched you for some time…you love the sound of your own voice,’ Mr. Tortoise said as he sipped lemonade.